John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

To say I am disappointed with the response is an understatement. I could have predicted the response before I came in here. It wastes my time and that of the Minister of State. That is the response I have heard consistently over the past two years, namely that the impact of Covid on Go-Ahead is resulting in the poor service that is being delivered. The poor service was there before Covid and it continues now. The same response does not wash because I do not see the same volume of cancellations from Dublin Bus, which provides an excellent service in Wicklow. There is not the same volume of cancellations. The Minister of State said the operators are being advised not to cancel first or last bus services but that is happening. It happened only last week in Wicklow on the 185 route. It is having a direct, negative impact on the people who rely on the public transport service in Wicklow.

The 45 route out of Wicklow is the only route out of the county that serves the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire. People are missing appointments because the bus is not showing up. One constituent told me last week that the 45 was cancelled at late notice and he had to use two other bus routes to get to the National Rehabilitation Centre. It is having a direct negative impact. It is no longer sustainable to hide behind Covid. The service has clearly failed.

I have two specific questions. How long is left on the contract? We need to seriously look at reversing the contract and giving it back to Dublin Bus, which can and will provide a far superior service. What measures have been taken by the NTA? What penalties have been imposed on Go-Ahead for its clear failure to meet its obligations under the contract to provide a fit-for-purpose service?

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