Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Richmond for giving me the opportunity to discuss this issue on behalf of the Minister. From the outset, I note that the Department of Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding with regard to public transport. However, it is not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. The National Transport Authority has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services nationally and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.

That being said, the Government is firmly committed to enhancing and expanding our public transport service provision across the country as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. Under the climate action plan, we have set ambitious targets for an additional 500,000 daily public transport and active-travel journeys to reduce internal combustion engine kilometres by 10% and add 1,500 EV buses to the public transport fleet, as well as expanding electrified rail services, all by 2030. A key objective is to provide all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options.

To support this, in budget 2022, the Department of Transport secured approximately €538 million of funding for public service obligation, PSO, and Local Link services. In addition, €25 million was provided to introduce a young adult card which will enable any person aged between 19 and 23 years old to avail of an average fare discount of 50% across all public transport services. This initiative will promote modal shift among this age cohort and contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport. This exciting initiative will, of course, benefit many young people living in south Dublin.

Further, as part of a suite of new measures being introduced by Government to help combat the rising cost of living experienced throughout the country, a 20% average fare reduction on PSO services until the end of 2022 is also due to be introduced in early May.

I reassure the Deputy that I fully realise the importance of expanding public transport options in all locations throughout the country and the national development plan provide €35 billion for transport over the coming decade, the largest investment in transport in the history of the State. This provides the necessary support to translate our ambitions for public transport into reality.

Work is ongoing on the DART+ coastal south improvements programme which will provide increased rail capacity on the south-eastern line. In addition, there is also the planned development of a new DART station at Woodbrook, between Bray and Shankill, on the existing DART line. Consideration is also being given to new park and ride zones in the area.

In terms of bus services, a major programme of bus network enhancements is being introduced over the Dublin metro area and it is planned to introduce major new orbital services in south Dublin, including four new routes, the S2, S4, S6 and S8, to serve Ballsbridge, Rathmines, Heuston, UCD, Crumlin hospital, Liffey Valley, Dundrum and Tallaght.

This year, it is planned to introduce major new orbital services in south Dublin, including four new routes, namely, the S2, S4, S6 and S8, serving Ballsbridge, Rathmines, Heuston Station, University College Dublin, UCD, Crumlin hospital, Liffey Valley, Dundrum and Tallaght orbital.

Additionally, in 2023 and 2024, four new bus spines will be introduced in the area under BusConnects. These spines will connect Malahide Road to Crumlin, Ballymun to Foxrock, Swords Road to Terenure and Blanchardstown to UCD. Collectively, these measures will not only further improve connectivity but in conjunction with the planned expansion in cycling infrastructure, will provide viable alternatives to the private car for those living in the region. I will bring the Deputy's views back to the Minister about the St. Patrick's Day festival, late-night transport, the fact that taxis are very difficult to get and also the extension of Nightlink services to the Christmas timetable.

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