Mr. Aidan Murphy:

Similar to what Mr. Courtney outlined in respect of Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann has responded very well to the Covid situation. We have at all times adhered to all of the NPHET guidelines. Our staff have been exemplary in terms of what they have done during that period. Obviously, we have undertaken all of the necessary measures one would expect. We are detecting pressure in terms of the 25% loading restriction. In Galway and Cork cities in particular, we have encountered some issues in terms of the 25% loading restriction in recent weeks since the easing of lockdown restrictions. That has resulted in some passengers not being able to access our services and having to wait for additional services. It will be an increasing difficulty in the coming period as the country comes out of further lockdown measures. We are in dialogue with the NTA about that and will respond as per NPHET advice.

On the second part of the Deputy's question, relating to the future, it is a very exciting future. We will be introducing three hydrogen-powered buses, hybrid buses, into Galway and other cities. That is being done in conjunction with the NTA. There will be very significant changes in the structure of the transport fleet in general. There will be further developments in that regard. The pandemic has actually accelerated some of the changes that are taking place in society and which will require a greater involvement of public transport. BusConnects, to which Mr. Courtney referred, and other developments will provide opportunities to service communities in a very different way from that which was done in the past. The changes in society can be mirrored by public transport coming to the fore and providing opportunities for communities.