Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in respect of public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The House will understand that the operation of Bus Éireann services is a matter for the company, with oversight by the National Transport Authority, NTA. The NTA has entered into a contract with Bus Éireann for the provision of bus services in the State. In accordance with the terms of that contract, the day-to-day operation of those services is managed by Bus Éireann. The company is required to meet performance obligations in respect of service delivery, such as punctuality, services operated, vehicles in service and customer information.

The NTA has invested in a significant improvement to subsidised bus services in Cork city. This has included the provision of cross-city services, increased frequency on existing services and new services linking residential areas to places of employment and education. Further investment has been made in the city bus fleet, which is 100% fully accessible, and an increase in capacity through the purchase and deployment of double decker buses.

Regarding the area raised by the Deputy, the NTA has advised that it is planning to implement improvements to bus services in three separate phases during 2019. This is part of a general review of bus services in the greater Cork area. This review includes the Macroom-Cork corridor, including services from Kilmurry, Crookstown, Cloughduv, Aherla and Ovens currently provided on route 233. Phase 1, which was implemented on 13 January, is a significant development of route 220, with a doubling of the frequency to every 15 minutes and the provision of a 24-hour service. Phase 1 has resulted in a significant increase in passenger numbers. Phase 2, which is due for implementation in the middle of 2019, includes a new service between Ringaskiddy and Cork Airport via Ballygarvan and Carrigaline. Services on the Macroom-Cork corridor, including route 233, are part of the phase 3 improvements, which the NTA has advised are also expected to be implemented in the middle of 2019.

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