The company has released figures showing a 15% increase in its Eurolines business on 2006. It is projecting further growth in the year ahead.

Bus Eireann believes another reason people are choosing to "surface travel" rather than fly is because of environmental concerns. Taking a coach instead of a plane reduces the carbon footprint.

"We are seeing a lot of recent passenger growth on Eurolines, our crosschannel coach business. Although we remain a small player in comparison with the airlines, the business is experiencing a noticeable revival and this summer we have been putting on additional coaches to meet demand, " according to spokeswoman Erica Roseingrave.

"Our cross-channel services have been in decline for the last decade, mainly due to increased airline competition in the market but the situation is now turning around. Airfares have crept upwards in the last 12 months and we would appear to be benefiting from that, " she said.

"More people are also starting to factor in the additional costs of flying . . .

getting to out-of-town airports, baggage charges, taxes and in some cases fuel levies. These extras all add up and people are looking for cheaper alternatives, " she added.

The company believes the main attraction is that fares are inclusive of ferry sailings and all other extras unlike some airlines that have "hidden costs". Another attraction is the convenience of the "city centre to city centre" aspect of the service, according to the company. Airports are typically located outside towns and passengers on a budget are likely to factor in the cost of express airport trains. Additionally, bus passengers can carry twice the baggage allowance permitted by the average airline.

"Surface travel is experiencing a revival as the public is increasingly conscious of its carbon footprint. Getting the coach is now more than just cost effective, it's also being seen as the environmentally friendly thing to do, " Roseingrave added.