Bus Éireann

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Questions (100)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

100. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Bus Éireann to change their 355 route from Waterford at 5:40pm to continue their journey to Cahir (details supplied); the reason the 5:40pm bus only travels as far as Carrick-on-Suir, whereas at all other times the 355 route continues to Cahir; the fact that the 5:40pm route includes Waterford SETU (departing at 5:20pm) but does not travel as far as Clonmel or Cahir means that students in Clonmel and Cahir cannot avail of direct public transport to and from both towns to the South East Technological Institute, and a very slight change to continue the route would allow a large number of students to avail of this route without encountering significant delays in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49476/23]

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 Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to Bus Éireann's 355 route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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