Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Cathasaigh for giving me the opportunity to discuss this. I am familiar with Tramore. We go there for our weekly supplies of Dooly's chips. As Members will be aware, the Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding related to public transport. However, the Minister is not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services as this falls under the remit of the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant public transport operators, which is Bus Éireann in this case. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys. I am sure the Deputy will agree that public transport operators, including Bus Éireann, have demonstrated great dedication and resilience in dealing with the unique challenges posed by the impact of Covid-19 on the sector. At the height of the pandemic last year, Bus Éireann services continued to operate at a time when many others ceased operations and delivered essential public transport to those who needed it, most notably front-line workers.

As the Deputy will be aware, the easing of some level 5 restrictions in recent months, such as those previously placed on schools, construction, retail etc., has led to a significant increase in demand for some public transport services. While operators are now permitted to carry up to 50% of normal capacity on each service, there are still some capacity constraints on certain services, with increased congestion also causing issues.

With regard to the Deputy's question about bus services in the south east, Bus Éireann has advised that, regrettably, it has experienced operational issues in recent weeks that have impacted on service delivery in the Waterford area. I understand that while the majority of services in Waterford have continued to operate as scheduled, a small number, less than 5% of the scheduled services in Waterford, were impacted and therefore did not operate. Bus Éireann has advised that the issues with these services have largely been due to staff shortages in the region, which was more than the typical need to cover annual leave and vaccinations at this time of year. A further contributing factor has been the significant increase in congestion in Waterford in recent months due to the higher traffic volumes following the relaxation of some Covid-19 restrictions. This gets to the point the Deputy made about public transport and private car travel. Some local traffic diversions have been in place in Waterford city to facilitate local business, which have impacted on city bus routes and schedules.

I understand that the Minister, Deputy Ryan, has been assured by Bus Eireann that it is addressing the issue of driver availability and that it is well advanced in its recruitment process in Waterford, with a number of these new positions due to start this weekend and more to follow. I am pleased to advise that Bus Éireann is due to commence additional summer services for Waterford to Tramore this Sunday. These services will double the frequency between midday and 7 p.m. and provide additional capacity to those travelling to the newly refurbished terminus in Tramore. While I trust this clarifies the position regarding Waterford services, Bus Éireann has advised it is happy to engage directly with the Deputy on the matter.

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