Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2018
207. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the scoring system which is used when tenders and applications are being assessed for operators of the rural link service; the way in which the scoring process is weighted in terms of costing, age of vehicle, experience and local knowledge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16939/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria in the tender process of the rural link scheme which requests that operators have a legal right to a suitable bus; the way in which this information is assessed; his views on whether there is a need for applicants to own their own vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16940/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the local link service monitors the usage of a primary vehicle by a successful applicant to the scheme; if there is a minimum requirement for usage time of the highlighted primary vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16941/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the possibility of harmonising contracts on the rural link service will be investigated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16942/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions that have taken place between the NTA and rural link in counties Longford and Westmeath regarding service issues within the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16943/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 211, inclusive, together.
As I advised the Deputy in response to similar questions last January, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the "Local Link" brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding Local Link services, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
