Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer the Deputy to my reply to the earlier priority question relating to bus services in the south and south-east.  I am very much aware of the concern that these issues are causing in many rural communities. I reiterate that public service obligation, PSO, funding to public transport companies has been maintained this year at 2014 levels. This is the first time since 2008 that this funding has not been reduced.

I have been advised that Bus Éireann has not taken a decision to withdraw services on Expressway route 21 from Athlone to Westport.  The company informed me that it undertook a "Use it, don't lose it" public campaign in late 2014 in the area, with promotional fares and a media and marketing campaign to encourage people to use the service or face losing it.  These promotional fares are still in place and the company continues to review the service from a commercial perspective.

The Deputy will appreciate that Expressway services do not receive a public service obligation subvention. They are required to operate on a commercial basis and may be subject to competition from other operators.

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