Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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17. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the Bus Éireann review of services in the Ballincollig area; when recommended changes will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37879/18]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of proposals made by Bus Éireann to the NTA to improve the bus services 220/220X and 223 in Cork. [37705/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 47 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.  Deputies will understand that the operation of Bus Eireann services is a matter for the company with oversight by the NTA.

The NTA has entered into a contract with Bus Éireann for the provision of bus services in the State.  In accordance with the terms of that contract, the day to day operation of those services is managed by Bus Éireann.  The Company is required to meet performance obligations in relation to service delivery such as punctuality, services operated, vehicles in service and customer information.

The NTA has invested in a significant improvement to subsidised bus services in Cork City. This has included the provision of cross-city services, increased frequency on existing services and new services linking residential areas to places of employment and education. Further investment has been made in the city bus fleet which is 100% fully accessible and an increase in capacity through the purchase and deployment of double deck buses.

In relation to the area raised by the Deputy, Bus Éireann has advised that in conjunction with the NTA, they are in the final stages of producing a wide range of significant services enhancements on the Ballingcollig - City Centre - Carragaline Corridor in Cork City and its environs.  These changes will see significant increases in service frequency and hours of operation across a number of routes including Route 220 and Route 220X which operates from Ballincollig - City Centre - Carragaline.  These planned changes will see the current 3 buses per hour from Ballincollig & Carragaline increase to 5 buses per hour - an increase of 66% in hourly departures. These changes will be supplemented by the deployment of additional double deck buses along the route to further increase service capacity.

In addition, a new range of local services will also be introduced that will ensure that Passage/Monkstown are linked to Carragline and Passage/Monkstown and Fountainstown are linked directly to the Carragaline Primary Care Centre.  Carragaline will be linked to both Ringaskiddy & Cork Airport for the first time.  I am advised that the timetables for these local services are currently being finalised with the NTA.  

Finally, Regarding Route 223 I am advised that this route will be fully reviewed once the significant changes in relation to the other routes are implemented.