Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the update. I would not normally use a priority question for something like a single bus route. The reason I am bringing it up is that it is an issue for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, and for the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly. This is not just a question about a commercial route; it is issue of access to health care. The No. 2 bus goes to St. Vincent's University Hospital, which is the closest hospital for many people in the area for a wide range of health care issues. Last September, for commercial reasons, Bus Éireann decided to stop at St. Vincent's once a day, once going up and once going back. This caused a huge level of concern and panic in Arklow and on the route.

I have been engaged with the chief executive of Bus Éireann on this issue and he has gone as far as he can. Bus Éireann has responded to representations from me, other public representatives and the public, but he has gone as far as he can for the reason that has been given here - that this is a commercial route and is, therefore, nothing to do with the Minister and the Department. This is a case in which a subsidy is required. Many people are heavily dependent on this one bus route for job and health care reasons. I appreciate the Minister cannot give any commitment to subsidise the route now, but I ask that he acknowledge that this is not simply a commercial decision for Bus Éireann and that he undertake now to go back and look at whether there is a case - I strongly believe there is - for a subsidy.

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