Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022

Thursday, 29 September 2022

Ceisteanna (98)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

98. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if bus transport from Charleville in County Cork to Limerick and Cork cities can be improved upon, given the existing services are both too infrequent and insufficiently early to deal with commuter and student travel to these locations; if public transport commuting from Charleville will be included in the Leap card programme; if other operators are entitled to operate on the route in the event the service cannot be improved by existing service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47760/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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.  The NTA also has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. 

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area,  I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.