A LIMERICK businessman has been appointed Chairperson of the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), following his ratification at its AGM in Dundalk last Saturday.
William Martin of Annacotty-based Martin’s Coaches has been a member of the CTTC since 1994 has served on its executive council since 2008.
He successfully organised the hugely successful national Coach and Bus Show since 2009 with the event hitting a peak last year when more than 2,500 attendees visited the RDS in Dublin over two days.
He has operated Martin’s Coaches for a number of decades, having succeeded his father in the business which marks its 50th anniversary this year. A graduate of the College of Commerce in Rathmines, Mr Martin holds qualifications in accounting, transport management and tourism.
The Limerick businessman said he was honoured and delighted to have been elected Chairperson of the leading coach and bus operators representative body in Ireland.
“To follow in the footsteps of many leading lights in the industry is an enormous privilege and one that I do not take lightly. My stewardship will focus on emulating the sterling work of outgoing Chair, John Halpenny, who guided the members through acute challenges over the pandemic, and worked to ensure the delivery of government supports at a crucial time,” he explained.
“The industry has undergone existential challenges in recent years and while recovery has happened, the reality is inflationary pressures continue to wreak havoc on operators bottom-line and this must be addressed as a priority.
My tenure will be marked by a strong commitment to continuing the great work done by my predecessors, while seeking to address the need for further supports for the membership, amid a period of great change in the sector,” Mr Martin added.
