Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2018
514. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale for the decrease in PSO support to Dublin Bus since 2011 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49237/18]
View answer516. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the reduction in Dublin Bus's PSO contribution from the State in view of the surge in passenger numbers from 119 million in 2014 to 139 million in 2017. [49292/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 516 together.
Since 2010 my Department no longer pays subvention for public transport services directly to operators. The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the companies 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. I have therefore referred the Deputy’s questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
