Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)

Can clarity be provided on how much of next year's PSO funding allocation will be used to address the existing funding gap and maintaining existing services? Will the Minister of State provide a breakdown of that, if possible? PSO funding constraints are causing difficulties in the roll-out of services. We know that from our constituency as well. For example, Athenry has been waiting a long time for a bus service. The risk here is that if the PSO funding is not adequate, we will not have a roll-out of services and we could see existing services cease or fares increase for commuters.

This also comes at a time when Bus Éireann is considering the viability of many of its Expressway bus routes. Has the Minister of State or the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, met Bus Éireann management regarding the Expressway route feasibility review? Do they intend to intervene on this issue to ensure the Expressway services across the State are maintained?

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