Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2022
21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements that have been made through the LocalLink service and the NTA to provide extra, necessary transport to refugees from Ukraine who are located in rural Ireland to access work and services; the discussions he has had with the NTA regarding this matter; the extra funding provided to the Authority for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18711/22]
View answerAs 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 issue of providing additional public transport services in rural areas to support Ukrainian nationals who have been provided with accommodation in those areas is being considered. Additional funding would be required to support any increase in services. As the Deputy will be aware, this situation is evolving daily and my Department is working with other relevant Departments and agencies to establish the transport needs and how these might be met.
