Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
74. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the Aircoach services have not resumed to a full service since Covid 19 restrictions were lifted, and that this is having a negative impact on service users; if he will request a report on the matter from the NTA to ensure they are operating to the terms of their service licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44070/23]
View answerAs 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 of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Further, the bus services referred to by the Deputy, in this case Aircoach, are commercial bus services and as such responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.
As the NTA is also the licensing authority for the commercial bus sector, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
