Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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325. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public services obligation subvention for 2020 and for each of the past 15 years by mode of transport and recipient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51048/19]

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 transport services by way of Public Services Obligation (PSO) contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable.

The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between the income from fares and the cost of operating services. In 2020, the Irish Exchequer will provide just over €300 million in subvention for public service obligation (PSO) transport services and Rural Transport Local Link services.

The PSO funding provided to Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath from 2005 - 2009 can be seen in the following table.

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 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.

I have therefore referred the part of the Deputy’s questions which relates to 2010 onwards to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.