As advised to the Deputy in Dáil Question no 199 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. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to procure public transport services by means of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts.
In addition, 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 Authority's responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the lack of a PSO service for a substantial part of the greater Knocknacarra area and associated reduced fares, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.