Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
199. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will include an increase in the public service obligation for 2023 to allow for the introduction of further services to the Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh railway line to maximise the benefit from the recent track renewal works carried out on the line by Irish Rail. [10956/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The allocation for PSO public transport services for future years will be subject to the annual Budgetary process and therefore the allocations for 2023 and beyond are yet to be determined in the context of future Estimates processes.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators. Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the 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.
In light of the Authority’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the allocation of PSO funding to Irish Rail for 2023 for the introduction of further services to the Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh railway line to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
