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.
Bus Éireann’s Expressway services (including route X12) are commercially operated bus services and as such responsibility for the operation of those services, including decisions regarding route provision, are an operational matter for the company.
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. As such, any decisions regarding the possible introduction of a new Public Service Obligation public transport service from Roscrea to Limerick would be a matter for the Authority.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
