Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
198. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some Ukrainian families are walking along busy roads with children to get to town centres (details supplied) due to the lack of transportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17639/22]
View answer199. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport when arrangements will be in place for transportation to town centres for those Ukrainian refugees who are located in congregated settings outside town centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17641/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
As the Deputy is aware, a whole of Government approach is being adopted regarding the Ukrainian crisis. In line with this approach, in my own Department, we have established a high-level group to monitor and respond as appropriate to the crisis and consider the role that the transport sector could play.
In this context, it was agreed that free travel would be provided for newly arriving Ukrainian refugees on any Public Service Obligation (PSO) or Local Link public transport service from port of entry to their end destination. This initiative is being applied across all PSO contracted services, including commercial bus services included in emergency PSO contracts, and those services that are part of the emergency commercial bus operator grant scheme. The situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand. In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding the provision of Local Link services, I have referred your questions to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
