As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services 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 NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the allocation of funding for the proposed new S3 bus route in County Sligo and the possible re-routing of two services daily to service Maugheraboy, Sligo Train Station, Sligo Town centre and Finisklin Business Park, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.