I welcome the Minister, who is having a busy evening. In recent years there has been increased use of the public transport services provided by Bus Éireann and private operators. More people are travelling longer distances to work and commuting daily. During the years private bus operators have provided a valuable service and initiated new routes where CIE was not providing a service. In some cases Bus Éireann subsequently improved services to the areas concerned.
On the N3 from Dublin, through County Meath, into Cavan and on to Donegal, there are a number of private operators providing excellent services. Since 2000 Bus Éireann has provided a valuable service on the hour from Cavan to Dublin commencing at 6 a.m. Changed working patterns, with people returning to public service jobs and increased job opportunities, have resulted in more and more people travelling long distances to work. In County Cavan people travel from Cavan town and further west to Dublin daily to work – primarily in the public service. They avail of predominantly Bus Éireann services.
Apart from those commuting daily to Dublin, more people are using bus services because of increased congestion on our roads and traffic and parking problems in Dublin. People travel to Dublin for hospital appointments, social and business reasons. Students also travel to attend third level colleges. The provision of services supplied by private bus operators introduced new competition to the transport area, as a result of which we now have cheaper fares for the Bus Éireann service from Cavan to Dublin. There was room for both private operators and increased Bus Éireann services.
The withdrawal of the 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Bus Éireann services from Cavan to Dublin is a source of disappointment, frustration and annoyance to many. For those who bought yearly tickets through the public transport tax relief scheme the cessation of the Bus Éireann services poses particular difficulties. While I want to see private bus operators continuing to provide worthwhile services for the people of Cavan, I also want to see an increased level of service from Bus Éireann from Cavan, particularly during the early morning period. By today's standards, Cavan, which is 73 miles from Dublin, is relatively near the city and, instead of reducing services, there is a demand for increased services.
I want a proper balance to be struck between private bus operators and Bus Éireann services. From speaking to people who have availed of Bus Éireann services over the years, I am aware that the staff based at Cavan station are exceptionally dedicated and diligent and have a great commitment to their company. I know many of these individuals personally and I am aware that they go far beyond the call of duty to assist passengers.
I referred to the early morning services previously, but the withdrawal of the 7 p.m. service on Sunday, on the busiest evening of the week, is also posing major difficulties to some students and others who travel back to Dublin. We want action and we want it fairly soon.