CCPC welcomes unanimous guilty verdict in school bus transport cartel case
December 18, 2025
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) welcomes today’s unanimous guilty verdict in the Central Criminal Court in the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) v Heney & Others. This verdict follows a thorough investigation by the CCPC and represents a significant milestone in the enforcement of competition law in Ireland.
The five accused have each been found guilty by a jury of 3 women and 7 men of engaging in an anti-competitive concerted practice contrary to sections 4 and 6 of the Competition Act 2002 (as amended). The offences occurred in respect of a tender competition for the provision of publicly funded school transport services across the Southwest region.
These practices, also known as “bid-rigging” or collusive tendering, undermine fair competition and have the potential to increase costs for the taxpayer and limit choice for consumers. The individuals are Andrew Walsh, Anthony Flynn, Larry Hickey, Noel Browne and Raymond Heney. The case was presided over by Mr Justice David Keane.
Chair of the CCPC, Brian McHugh, welcomed the outcome, saying:
“Cartels have a hugely detrimental effect on competition, on law-abiding businesses, and ultimately on taxpayers and consumers, who face paying higher prices and reduced choice.
“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that anti-competitive behaviour will not be tolerated. It’s a reminder to anyone involved in cartel conduct, or considering it, that the CCPC remains committed to taking robust action against such practices to protect fair competition and consumers.”
Sentencing is scheduled for 23 March, 2026.
The CCPC operates a Cartel Immunity Programme, in conjunction with the DPP, and an Administrative Leniency programme. Individuals may avoid criminal prosecution and get immunity from, or reductions in, fines if they reveal their involvement in illegal activity and fully cooperate with a CCPC investigation. Information can be shared in confidence with the CCPC’s cartels team by calling our Immunity and Leniency phoneline on 087 763 1378 or by emailing cartels@ccpc.ie.
The CCPC is the statutory body responsible for enforcing Irish and EU competition law. Enforcing competition law benefits the Irish economy by ensuring open and dynamic markets for consumers. In Ireland, businesses or individuals that breach competition law may be subject to civil or criminal sanctions.
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