29/04/2026
*** PRESS RELEASE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT ***
Following a radio interview on Rte’s morning Ireland late and the Kieran Cuddihy Newstalk program last year in relation to some issues encountered blood bikes were contacted by the Ministers office to discuss the matter after hearing the interview, Arising out of which a series of meetings ,discussions took place between blood bikes , the ministers office , department officials to work on the issue and related matters to ensure a practical solution.
The department officials fully took on board the issues and consulted with other agencies including an Garda Siochana and the road safety authority on a proposed plan and solutions.
Following a meeting yesterday in government buildings with the minister and staff at the department we received confirmation from the minister of the completed changes and that as of yesterday it was now officaly in place. We would like to thank the minister, his staff, department officials , various government ministers and state agencies who supported Blood Bikes on the issues.
This is the statement from the minister’s office in full following our meeting with the minister and department officials in the dail yesterday.
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Ministers for Transport extends use of bus lanes to Blood Bike Medical Transport services
Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, and Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, have today granted approval to permit Blood Bikes Medical Transport to use the bus lane network while carrying out their vital services.
Blood Bike groups use vehicles to rapidly transport medical and clinical items to and from healthcare facilities.
This voluntary service reduces demand on alternative transport methods such as ambulances or private operators.
Today’s decision means that Blood Bikes can now use the bus lane network, enabling them to bypass traffic congestion and reduce transit times for collections and deliveries.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said:
“Blood Bikes Medical Transport volunteers provide a crucial health service, and I have had several meetings with Fergus and Michael to learn more about the work they do.
I am delighted that Blood Bike volunteers can now transport vital medical supplies between hospitals and patients across the country even more quickly and efficiently, which will bring reassurance to everyone involved.
I thank them all for their continued service to our communities.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said:
“I welcome today’s decision to allow access for Blood Bikes to bus lanes, further supporting them to carry out their indispensable support to our health service.
Blood Bike volunteers respond to almost thousands of calls each year and their work contributes to the health and wellbeing of countless patients and their families.
They also bring huge benefit to staff in our hospitals, medical centres, nursing homes and other healthcare settings. I too would like to take this opportunity to thank the Blood Bike volunteers for the work they do, free of charge, with great professionalism and unwavering dedication.
I had the privilege of meeting some of the volunteers in Galway last year and I am delighted to be able to assist in this very important work.”
ENDS.
