Bus Services

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Questions (252)

Martin Browne

Question:

252. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to provide a bus route between Cashel and Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if so, the timeline for the introduction of this route. [1539/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the provision of a bus route between Cashel and Clonmel, County Tipperary, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I am writing to you concerning the matter you raised in Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 18 January last which has been referred to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for reply.

Bernard Kavanagh and Sons Ltd provide a bus service under license by the Authority between Clonmel and Thurles serving Cashel. The company provides 2 round trips per day Monday-Saturday and no service on Sunday. The Authority has identified a need to enhance the level of service between these towns in Co. Tipperary through its work on the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan and is currently examining the potential of providing such an enhancement. At this point, enhanced services does not form part of the programme of upgrades during 2023.

I trust that the above is of assistance.