Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2134. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to create statutory or non-statutory responsibility for local transport planning and delivery in order to ensure a stable platform from which the LocalLink model could be developed through the local authority structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33567/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport passenger services nationally. Since 2012, the NTA has national responsibility for integrated local an rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
The NTA contracts the passenger services provided under the RTP which 17 Local Link Offices around the country manage on its behalf. The Local Link Offices work closely with local authorities and local communities on the assessment of local transport needs.
There are no plans to change the NTA's responsibilities in relation to local and rural transport, including Local Link services.
