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Public Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Questions (683)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

683. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged public transport operators regarding contingency plans as public transport usage increases due to further easing of restrictions; the protocols in place in case of overcapacity or antisocial behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12989/20]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. 

The Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that are to carry on. I would like to thank both public and commercial operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.

Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In this context, the NTA is engaging directly with both PSO and commercial transport operators.  

In addition, the safety and security of public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, where appropriate. It is vital that all public transport companies continue their strong and close working relationship with An Garda Síochána to address incidents of anti-social behaviour. 

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