Results 1-15 of 15 for in 'Dáil debates' segment:8865901

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Aindrias Moynihan: A key corridor west of the city serves the Lee Valley towards Macroom, serving communities such as Ovens, Aherla, Cloughduv, Crookstown, Kilmurray, Coachford and Macroom, where the route 233 service is based. That same bus serves the Inchigeelagh and Ballingeary area as well. When we look at the timetable, it looks very extensive but because it is spread so thin, this means that people...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Eamon Ryan: We have already significantly enhanced some of the services to Macroom. West of there, route 257, which was part of the first phase of Connecting Ireland and goes all the way to Millstreet, was introduced in December 2022 and the patronage in the following year increased by 112%. I agree with the Deputy about the demand that is there. With regard to the section east of Macroom and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Aindrias Moynihan: The Minister referred to the Millstreet service. Many of the routes in Cork come towards the city. There is clearly a need for a radial service which would give people an opportunity, for example, to go to Millstreet, Macroom and Bandon, and on towards Kinsale if they wish, instead of having to go to the city. As the Minister said, part of that route was upgraded but it stopped short in...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Catherine Connolly: Before the Minister replies, I will allow Deputy Gould to come in.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Thomas Gould: There are huge issues with all of the bus services in Cork. Last week, Sinn Féin in Cork brought out a policy outlining that a minimum of 30 extra drivers need to be hired by Bus Éireann to fill the gaps that are now showing. Due to traffic congestion, we are seeing more people using the buses, which is what we all want, but the problem is that buses are being delayed and are not...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Eamon Ryan: I agree with both Deputies on the points made. I argue that there are two key constraints to what we all want, which is a major expansion of public transport services in Cork county and city, as well as in the rest of the country. The first is a budget constraint. Even with the significant resources provided, the truth is that we are going to have to make difficult decisions because...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Catherine Connolly: Thank you, Minister.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Eamon Ryan: The second issue is resources, as Deputy Gould said. There is a real problem in Cork, not just with drivers but also mechanics. We have a real challenge and it is a question of how we address that. Obviously, we will try to get the people but the other way to address it is by providing the bus priority.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Catherine Connolly: We are way over time.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Eamon Ryan: Bus Connects in Cork would get the priority out to Ballincollig, which could get the service improvements to Macroom, as well as addressing the problems in the city. It is our job to give prioritisation to public transport on the road to help to solve that problem. I am sorry if I am over the time.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Catherine Connolly: It is not your fault. There was a supplementary question on top of the question. I am going to limit the questions so the Members who are in attendance will have their questions answered.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Bus Services

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Aindrias Moynihan: 69. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans and timelines to upgrade bus services across mid-Cork, including Macroom to Cork, Macroom to Bandon and other local services based around Macroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13251/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Aindrias Moynihan: Connecting Ireland has a comprehensive plan for upgrading public transport right across the country, including in mid-Cork. A timetable is key for passengers who are waiting for a bus and it is also essential to allow people to know when to expect services will become available. Will the Minister set out a timetable for the delivery of that Connecting Ireland plan, in particular with regard...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Services (21 Mar 2024)

Eamon Ryan: The Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options and the enhancement of public transport offerings is key to that goal. As Minister for Transport, my responsibility is to direct policy and overall funding related to public transport. With respect to services in County Cork, it is the NTA that has statutory...