Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 189: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has undertaken any research to examine the impact on rural and urban communities of the reduction in public bus and rail transport services due to the decrease in the public service obligation for public transport companies in budget 2010; his views on whether reduced public transport services may act as a barrier to accessing employment, education or health services and increase social exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11742/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The annual Exchequer subvention to CIE in 2010 in respect of its public service obligation (PSO) services is €276 million – an increase of 45% on 2000. Despite this high level of funding and fare increases over the years, the CIE companies are facing a very difficult financial outlook in 2009 due to declining passenger numbers in an increasing cost environment. Decisions in relation to bus and rail services are a matter for CIE and its subsidiaries in conjunction, in the case of PSO services, with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I understand that the companies in conjunction with the NTA are seeking to minimise the impact of their cost recovery measures on the quantity and quality of services and are seeking to maintain services at the highest level possible for all service users including those seeking employment and access to education and health services by, for example, focusing service changes on low patronage services.