Travel and tourism agents want coaches to be seasonally imported from other EU member states, amid serious concerns that a new free school transport system is disrupting their operations.

The Federated Association of Travel and Tourism Agents said on Tuesday that several key coach operators had advised tourism agents their coaches were no longer available before 9am and between 1.45pm and 4pm on school days, causing havoc with full day and afternoon excursion programmes.

“This restriction is gravely impacting tourism agents’ ability to meet their contractual obligations to operate excursions and airport transfers efficiently,” the federation said. “It is also compounding the already existing widespread abuse and malpractice by some coach operators who double book their vehicles during charters.”

This restriction is gravely impacting tourism agents’ ability to meet their contractual obligations

The federation called on the authorities to act swiftly to facilitate and incentivise the importation of additional coaches from other EU states on a seasonal or temporary basis to meet the surge in demand.

“This will ensure that the considerable investment and effort made by the MTA and the industry stakeholders to attract low and shoulder season group tourism and especially cruise liner calls is not undermined by this shortage,” the group said.

New government plans for free school transport for students in all State, Church and independent schools have hit a snag due to a lack of vehicles and drivers to cope with demand.

As of last week, 829 students from Church and independent schools remained on the waiting list for transport as part of a scheme that will see the government funding the service for all students.