Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
60. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport to devolve powers to local authorities to enable them to erect bus shelters as their councillors and engineers are best placed to decide on the safest and most appropriate location; and to change the current process whereby the funding is administered by the National Transport Authority. [42411/23]
View answerUnder the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as amended, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has the function to 'secure or provide public transport... infrastructure in the State in relation to bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations, stands and bus fleets'. The Act also states that the NTA may enter into agreements with other persons for the purposes of achieving its function in this regard.
It is important that our public transport network is developed in an integrated and coordinated manner. In my view, it is appropriate that this function has been assigned to the NTA given the Authority’s role in the contracting and funding of Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus services and its regulatory role in relation to commercial bus licensing. The NTA works closely with local authorities to coordinate the development and implementation of bus shelter programmes at county level rather than through piecemeal arrangements.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for more details in relation to its bus shelter programme. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
