Bus Éireann wins top award at Irish Logistics & Transport Awards 2025

Bus Éireann has been crowned the overall winner at the prestigious Irish Logistics & Transport Awards 2025, recognising its outstanding achievements in setting the standard for excellence in Irish transport.

The 15th annual awards ceremony, hosted by Colm O’Regan at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin, brought together 274 industry professionals to celebrate achievement across the transport and logistics sector. The event saw fierce competition, with 36 companies submitting 90 entries across 24 award categories.

The Irish Logistics & Transport Awards have been recognising excellence in the transport and logistics industry for 15 years, highlighting innovation, sustainability, and best practice across the sector.

Last year was a milestone year for Bus Éireann, which included the commencement of the transition of the first regional city service to a zero-emission fleet in Limerick. The national transport operator also signed a new five-year contract with the National Transport Authority for the provision of Public Service Obligation transport services, worth in excess of €1.2 billion, covering 206 routes nationwide.

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The judging panel’s award citation noted: “Through innovation, sustainability, and outstanding service, Bus Éireann continues to connect communities while leading the way in fleet modernisation and green transport. Congratulations to Bus Éireann on this well-deserved victory.”

The leader award was presented to Alan Young of ATC Computer Transport and Logistics. The business, which employs over 280 people, was founded by Alan and Patricia Young and is now led by their son, Keith Young. In 2024, ATC was acquired by Arvato, a subsidiary of Bertelsmann.

Headquartered in Dublin, ATC provides specialised transport, logistics, and technical services. The award citation noted that Young has been a driving force in Irish logistics for over four decades.

“Under his leadership, ATC expanded across Ireland, Europe, and New Zealand, providing critical services to hyperscale data operators and high-tech manufacturers. His vision for sustainability led to a landmark €22.5 million investment in green transport, solidifying ATC’s position as a leader in eco-friendly logistics. With innovation at its core and global expansion under way, Alan is a true trailblazer in the industry.”

Nessa Devereux, head of transport and Logistics at AIB, commented that the logistics and transport sectors are key to the success of the Irish economy. “AlB is delighted to be platinum sponsors of the Irish Logistics and Transport Awards. These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge all the businesses in the sectors and to hear about their sustainability plans,” she added.

The award winners included Medicall Ambulance, which won in the SME category and the future achiever award. “The awards are a fantastic opportunity for the team to be recognised for the work that they do,” said Jay Gibson, the company’s managing director. “They allow us to showcase our wider team, and they are inclusive of the staff on the road and those behind the scenes.”

Conor Mannion, business development manager at AutoStore, explained his firm’s rationale for sponsoring the awards. “It’s important for AutoStore to be visible and network, as while we believe we can support and answer the themes in the market, we also want to hear from the market to drive our developments. The Irish Logistics & Transport awards give us a unique opportunity to do that.”

Road Truck Services received the 3PL achievement award. “We have always strived to push the boundaries in the logistics and supply chain space, and it’s truly rewarding to see our efforts celebrated,” said Michael McConnell, the company’s managing director. “A big thank you to the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards for this prestigious accolade.”

MTU’s Efce Van Heerden, a member of the distinguished judging panel, noted that sustainability practices within the sector have become the norm.

“Sustainability implementation is no longer a unique differentiator – it is expected and widely practised across the industry,” he explained. “Nearly every applicant showcased some level of sustainability in their submissions. This shift reflects the growing commitment of the logistics and transport industry to sustainability, and it is heartening to see how these awards have played a key role in celebrating and incentivising the adoption of sustainability practices,” he added.

Colin Robb, head of operations at Derry Bros, said the company entered the awards to highlight its commitment to innovation and excellence in customs clearance. “These awards recognise our dedication to providing top-tier services and supporting businesses in navigating complex customs regulations,” he added.

Mark Keeley, sales manager at awards sponsor Kärcher Ireland, said the company supports the awards because they recognise the hard work and innovation that keep the transport and logistics industry moving forward. “Celebrating excellence sets new standards and benefits the entire sector. It’s an honour to be part of an event that showcases such outstanding achievements,” he stated.

Kevin O’Driscoll, director partnership programmes at awards organiser Business River, commented: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2025 sponsors and professional partners, which includes AIB, Karcher Ireland, Driving Force, AutoStore, ISM Recruitment, and Excel Recruitment.

“I also want to recognise our supporters, Freight Transport Association and Irish International Freight Association. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”

Awards judges

Declan Allen (judging coordinator) head of logistics, supply chain and project management, Technological University Dublin
Maurice Brady, lecturer, Technological University Dublin
Aidan Flynn, CEO, Freight Transport Association Ireland
Michael O’Callaghan, director, IPICS The Supply Chain Management Institute
Maura O’Toole, leadership development trainer & coach, National Pen (Dundalk)
Jamie O’Reilly, managing director, BBL Groupe
Seamus Kavanagh, executive officer, Irish International Freight Association
Nikki Mullin, group people & culture director, Primeline Group
Helen Noble, principal, Noble Shipping Law
Efce Van Heerden, lecturer, Munster Technological University
Jelena Vlajic, senior lecturer in supply chains and operations management, Queen’s Business School, Queen’s University Belfast