Ms Miriam Flynn:

I refer to our services operating between Kerry and Limerick and Kerry and Cork. As these fall within the remit of commercial services, they will be subject to some minor changes. However, we are very conscious of the requirement for additional services during the tourism season and this is taken into account in any timetable alterations. We have also looked at additional demand at peak times such as Fridays and Sundays in particular. The new services between Kerry and Limerick will serve the University of Limerick in the mornings and evenings and this should offer an additional incentive for people to travel along that corridor. They also serve locations such as the Mid-West Regional Hospital. The Deputy has highlighted the importance of access to these facilities. We envisage up to eleven services a day between Tralee and Cork. These services will all serve Cork University Hospital and UCC, en route to Cork and in both directions. This should improve the overall connectivity for people willing to travel from Kerry to Cork.

Bus Éireann is very conscious of the importance of tourism to the country. Mr. Nolan has highlighted the fact that there has been some increase in tourist numbers. The Bus Éireann name is a great attraction in tourism promotion. We offer people the opportunity to travel from Dingle up to Donegal, for example, on one discounted ticket. This is very important for the promotion of Ireland and the connectivity offered by the Bus Éireann network.