Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have said many times that we have one of the lowest subventions for public transport in Europe and the Minister has agreed. Even last year, CIE received €316 million and this year the amount is €242 million. Even with the €36 million, it is still only €278 million. If we continue to cut like this, we will hit vital services even more. We have increased fares and the cost of yearly tickets by 10% in the last month. That will further discourage the use of public transport and it penalises those who continue to use it. It does not make sense.

There have been cuts across services in rural and urban areas. The 19 and 19A services in the Glasnevin area were combined into one service. Dublin Bus and CIE are passing the buck on responsibility for these decisions. It is down to the fact that not enough money is being made available. We talk about smarter travel but we must invest in it. I welcome the fund of €65 million that the Minister has made available but what way will that spread out? Will it address the route shortages? Are we going to hit the main lines? The Minister mentioned the Luas and we all know the BXD is being started but we cannot continue to cut.

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