Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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391. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason no public input or service user input was sought by Dublin City Council regarding the BusConnects proposal; and the steps that can be taken at this stage to make BusConnects more age friendly. [22511/19]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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392. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he has in place for older persons to have their say in view of the general reliance on online communication in public consultation processes in relation to public transport consultations such as BusConnects. [22512/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 392 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including BusConnects.

I would note that there has been extensive public consultations held by the NTA in relation to both the redesign of the bus network and the proposed delivery of new bus priority measures, such as improved bus lanes. These consultations have included extensive personal engagement with communities through public information sessions, the establishment of local community fora and one-to-one offers of engagement with property owners who might be impacted by infrastructure proposals. This is in addition to the information published online as referred to by the Deputy.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my private office if she does not receive a reply within 10 days.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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393. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the LocalLink tendering criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22556/19]

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.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the Local Link brand.

Noting this, I have forward the Deputy's Question to the NTA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.