Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
118. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be made available to secure provision of an urban-style bus service in Carlow town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5559/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, 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 passenger transport services nationally, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.
The Covid-19 health emergency has had a profound and swift shock to the public transport sector. Public transport’s designation as an essential service throughout the pandemic means, that although fare revenues have collapsed, most of the cost of operations remains and must continue to be met in order to fulfil Government’s broader policy objectives. Government support for all public transport services in 2020 amounted to over €620m. For 2021 over €670m has been provided in funding in order to ensure that the existing level of public transport services, albiet at a higher cost, continue to operate in a safe manner. By comparision, the level of PSO and Local Link funding provided in 2019 was in the region of €300m.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government does commit to the introduction of new services, including new town services, in order to improve public transport connectivity. I intend to pursue additional funding for such services in the context of the Programme for Government during 2021.
