Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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612. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9034/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the strong public concern locally about the likely impact of the reduced services as a result of the proposed changes to Bus Éireann's Route 7 services and also JJ Kavanagh's Route 717 services.  At the community meeting in Castlecomer on Monday 22nd February, Bus Éireann agreed to postpone the changes to its licensed Route 7 services until the summer.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is examining what might be an appropriate PSO service to put in place if funding was made available.  Funding has not been secured at this time but the NTA are preparing the tender documents and plan to procure the services subject to funding.  At the above meeting it was decided to set up a working group comprising local representatives and members of the local community to explore options for the continuation of public transport services in the area.  The NTA and Bus Éireann will actively participate in this process.

The NTA has also been contacted concerning changes on the Expressway Route 5 service from Waterford.  In view of these changes Bus Éireann plans to extend  Route 4 (Dublin–Waterford) to New Ross in order to maintain a link between New Ross and Waterford. Separately, the NTA in conjunction with Bus Éireann, is examining options to re-configure existing subvented services in the south-east in order to maintain socially necessary services to the affected areas following the withdrawal of Route 5.

The Free Travel Pass Scheme comes under the remit of my colleague, An Tánaiste and the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, T.D.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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613. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of passengers carried each day of each week for the past three years by Bus Éireann on routes (details supplied) from each stated town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9035/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.