Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on plans to expand the Athlone town bus service to take in additional routes, given the success of the recently launched electric bus fleet. [19158/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As 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. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and new Town Services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new services, including in county Westmeath, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply tho him. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has plans to create additional bus services between Athlone and other towns in the midlands, given Athlone's status as a regional growth centre (details supplied). [19162/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but 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 question in relation to additional bus services between Athlone and other Midlands towns, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the pilot bus service identified in the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Post-Consultation Report, and scheduled to commence in quarter 1 of 2022 will commence; if the issue around access though the Cabra gate for any such bus has been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19174/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As 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.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities and its engagement with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on this issue, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.