As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to additional bus services between Athlone and other Midlands towns, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.