Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
715. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if matters raised in submissions by an organisation (details supplied) with regard to the bus and coach sector will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13280/20]
View answerFirstly I would like to advise that officials in my Department are engaging directly with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland on a regular basis.
On the 25th of June the Government approved temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, for the licensed bus sector. Licensed operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery. The support package is aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package will be restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and will be targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and revenues generated on the services.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the public transport licensing agency, will administer the support package through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.
