David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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571. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation that will be made by the National Transport Authority to County Waterford in each of the years 2019 to 2022, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50248/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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With regard to capital investment in public and sustainable transport infrastructure, my Department provides funding to the NTA in relation to projects in the regional cities, including Waterford.

The Deputy is aware that I have secured increased funding for both the sustainable urban transport programme and the dedicated cycling and walking infrastructure programme and, within that overall funding envelope, the NTA will work with relevant local authorities in relation to particular projects.

At a strategic level, it is envisaged that similar to the other major cities a transport strategy will be developed for the city and its metropolitan area and the NTA will work with the local authority in that regard as required. Development of such a strategy will provide the overarching framework within which infrastructure development can be prioritised and directed.

With regard to current expenditure, the Deputy may be aware that since 2010 my Department no longer pays subvention for public transport services directly to operators.

The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.

The allocation for PSO public transport services for 2019-2022 is a matter for the NTA and is subject to the annual Budgetary process.

I have therefore referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.