Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
98. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the need for assistance without delay for a sector which is adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17945/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present. My Department has engaged with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) on a regular basis in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on licensed bus operators.
From my Department's engagement with the CTTC, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that licensed bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that Covid-19 presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
It is critical for the sector to be functioning so that it can carry the passengers that we need to return to work and to other activities as they re-open. Many of these operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery.
That is why on 25 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 measure 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 the revenues generated on the services. The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the public transport licensing agency, will administer the support through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.
This is, of course, additional to the wider programme of Government supports for impacted businesses were introduced, including new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example.
With the commencement of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 29 June 2020, changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions were agreed, allowing a move from 2 metres social distancing to utilising 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity of fleet. Alongside this change, the wearing of a face covering when using public transport is now mandatory, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to young age. This will help to underpin public transport services provided by both public and commercial licensed operators during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business .
