Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Questions (236)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

236. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up to date position in relation to work his Department has done regarding the provision of a hop-on hop-off Wild Atlantic Way bus service; his views on the benefits and sustainability of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40390/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand. The Wild Atlantic Way is primarily accessed by public transport users via bus services contracted by the NTA, which are mainly provided by TFI Local Link and, to a lesser extent, by Bus Éireann.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.