Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
38. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with the NTA to increase the frequency of bus services on the S2, Sligo to Rosses Point route, to cater for the very significant increase in passenger numbers due to refugees being accommodated on the Rosses Point Peninsula. [10437/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
My Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) continue to monitor and respond to the influx of refugees due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and are factoring in the geographical spread of Ukrainian refugees into the planning process. In order to serve a dual purpose by catering for both existing demand as well as responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the humanitarian crisis, the NTA have accelerated the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, and also added additional stops, routes and services where the need has arisen.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in County Sligo, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten days.
