Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

In accordance with the programme for Government, I recognise the need to rebalance transport policy to favour public transport. The public transport system will play a critical role in supporting a return to sustainable economic growth, the maintenance of a competitive environment for investment and addressing the challenge of climate change.

The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 enabled the granting of contracts for public service obligation, PSO, services on a direct award basis to Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann in respect of existing services and on a public tender basis for new services. The direct award contracts with the bus companies apply for five years and ten years in the case of rail. At the end of the five or ten year period, the NTA has discretion to renew, modify or terminate the direct award provision of services following a consultation process with interested parties under which the NTA is obliged to justify its approach. In November 2010, the NTA published new guidelines for the licensing of public bus services which set out the basis for a reformed licensing system for commercial bus passenger services in the State. The guidelines identify commercial bus passenger services as a key part of public transport services in the State.

In accordance with the commitment in the programme for Government to explore the benefit to the public transport passenger of more diverse bus service provision, I will consult with my ministerial colleagues on the future options for procurement of PSO bus services once I have completed my examination of the options.

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