Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Ceisteanna (230, 234)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

230. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the ongoing deterioration in services on the 33B Portrane to Swords bus route operated by an organisation (details supplied) with buses being cancelled on a regular basis resulting in workers being late for work and being issued warnings and who are in fear of losing their jobs, college students missing exams and senior persons being left stranded and afraid to travel given the unreliability of this service; if he will confirm the service levels for the past 12 months on this route; if any penalties have been applied; the way that he proposes to address this issue given that national policy is to encourage the general public to avail of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40254/22]

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

234. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the ongoing deterioration in services on the 33B Portrane to Swords bus route which is operated by a company (details supplied) with buses being cancelled on a regular basis; the service levels for the past 12 months on this route; if any penalties have been applied; the way that he proposes to address this issue given that national policy is to encourage the general public to avail of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40366/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 234 together.

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 Go-Ahead Ireland Bus Route 33B, 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