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.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to a new bus service from Leixlip to Blanchardstown Hospital can be facilitated or incorporated into current routes to facilitate elderly people from this area getting to and from medical appointments, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.