Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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136. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to staffing and hiring issues affecting the current operation of, and the planned extension of, public bus services in the Cork metropolitan area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41101/23]

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport such as staff recruitment.

I understand that many operators in the transport sector are experiencing difficulties with staffing difficulties both as a result of COVID-19 and also difficulties in recruiting new drivers. These issues are found across all types of operators both public and private.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has informed me that they are working with operators to try and mitigate the impacts through recruitment campaigns in recent months with significant numbers of additional drivers expected once required training and tests are completed and licenses issued by the RSA. In addition the NTA are engaging with the RSA to try and expediate the testing and licenceprocess for new bus drivers.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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137. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, when the withdrawal of the 68, 69 and 13 bus routes running through Bluebell, Inchicore, Kilmainham, the South Circular Road and Thomas Street takes place, his Department will ensure that the NTA/Dublin Bus adequately services this route at a frequency the same as, if not more frequent, than the existing services. [41150/23]

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. There have been significant developments in relation to bus transport since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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138. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a local link service (details supplied) could be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41224/23]

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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in county Kerry, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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139. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport about an issue regarding bus transport for students travelling to MTU Tralee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41313/23]

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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services in County Kerry, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.