Public Service Obligation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 November 2022

Thursday, 10 November 2022

Questions (42)

Bríd Smith

Question:

42. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the process used in the awarding of a PSO route to a private transport firm (details supplied); if this route was tendered out in the normal fashion by the National Transport Authority; if not, the reason tendering was not undertaken; if any other company such as Bus Éireann was approached to operate this route; the duration of the current contract with the private transport firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55707/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to procure public transport services by means of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the process used in the awarding of a PSO contract to Dublin Coach, 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