Dáil debates
Wednesday, 1 May 2024
Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate
Bus Services
9:20 am
Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source
The specific issues the Deputy has raised here are significant. I will speak to the Minister for Transport about the NTA engaging again on this. The Deputy has raised quite a few issues. Certainly the last thing Government wishes in terms of overall policy is to deter people from using public transport or put barriers in their way. It should be affordable, reliable and safe. That is critically important. Further engagement is required.
I cannot speak specifically about the public consultation in respect of people in Cork county or officials from Cork County Council. That is something that would be important also. Critically important is transport-oriented development, which we are trying to achieve from a planning perspective, so that there are viable public transport routes when significant development of new homes is taking place in an area such as this. I will take the matter back to the Minister. It would be important for a process of engagement to take place again to see if there is a way forward and to look at some of the suggestions the Deputy has brought forward today. They are practical and achievable, and might resolve the issues for the residents.
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