Patrick Costello
Question:91. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to improve the provision of bus services in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9037/23]
View answerWednesday, 22 February 2023
Questions (91, 92)
Patrick Costello
Question:92. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on his recent interactions with the National Transport Authority to tackle the poor provision of bus services in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9038/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, 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.
I am pleased to advise that under Budget 2023, I secured c. €563m in funding for Public Service Obligation services, including funding for the continuation of both the 20% discount on PSO services and the Young Adult Card on PSO and participating commercial bus services. Funding was also secured for the introduction of new services and service enhancements.
The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions, in relation to the provision of bus services in Dublin, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 91.