Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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302. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the work of both Bus Éireann management and staff in County Cork in attempting to provide a reliable bus service despite the failure of the National Transport Authority to supply adequate resources will be acknowledged. [15987/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but I am not involved in its day-to-day operations. As the Deputy is aware, my Department has allocated €287 million in funding this year towards the delivery of public service obligation (PSO) services, which are overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The precise allocations to the companies (including Bus Éireann) to operate these services is decided by the NTA, in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with the PSO service providers. I am advised that the NTA has invested in a significant improvement to subsidised bus services in Cork City and is currently reviewing bus services in the Greater Cork area. PSO services and rural transport services that respond to local needs are continuing to grow throughout the country, and some further expansion is also being facilitated.

In view of the NTA's statutory responsibility in relation to arranging for the provision of public transport, I am forwarding the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response. I ask the Deputy to contact my Office if he does not receive a response within 10 working days.