Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right, in that I have overall responsibility for policy in the transport area. One of the principal pillars of that policy is to get people out of their cars and onto buses. The Deputy and I are working in the same direction, as we want to improve the frequency and efficiency of bus services on route 233. I will improve services anywhere I feel it is advantageous in the sense that I will promote them and provide funding for the NTA to use wisely.

All parties are united on this issue. Everyone has his or her own particular patch that he or she wishes to see looked after. As a matter of policy, we are generally being successful in moving people onto buses, which is reflected in the greater frequency of services in Cork, Dublin and elsewhere.

A draft Cork metropolitan area transport strategy is being finalised by Cork city and county councils in partnership with the NTA. This strategy will provide a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services across the Cork metropolitan area for the period up to 2040.

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