Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019

Tuesday, 5 November 2019

Ceisteanna (897)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

897. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised by commuters owing to the recent changes introduced to rural bus services in Inishowen, County Donegal, and routes operating between the peninsula and Letterkenny; if his attention has been further drawn to the considerable price differential which exists between rural transport services operated by LocalLink on the Malin to Carndonagh route and the Buncrana to Carndonagh route compared to a connecting service between Carndonagh and Letterkenny which is operated by a private transport provider; the options being currently considered by his Department and the NTA with respect to the latter route with the view to reducing fares for commuters on the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44240/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme, which now operates under the 'Local Link' brand.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A