Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

What the Deputy raises is fair and I have no doubt that what he says is true. The NTA acknowledges there has been an increase in the number of complaints about Bus Éireann services in Cork, particularly since implementation of what it calls the optimisation scheme in early December 2017. It continues to implement measures to further improve service levels and in recent days there have only been a few cancellations. I will not wash my hands of this issue. It is useful to hear the complaints on the floor of the House, particularly if there is an avalanche coming the Deputy's way. Whereas the NTA has operational responsibility for everything that happens, the buck stops here and it is good that the Minister is made aware of such problems which, if they were to recur throughout the country, would become far more serious. I acknowledge what is happening in Cork. I will be in touch with the NTA on the Deputy's behalf and thank him for raising the subject.

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