David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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188. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public service obligation contract in place for the 607, 617 and 627 bus routes in Waterford city operated by a company (details supplied); when the contract will expire and will be due for tender again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21112/20]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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189. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a city service (details supplied) ceases at 20:20 on a Monday to Thursday basis and does not operate a Sunday service; if the NTA will consider requesting the company to expand the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21113/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.

Both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators to help inform policy decisions in relation to the public transport sector as we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19.

From the Department's engagement with industry representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, we understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial operators have been facing. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.

It is critical for the public transport sector to be functioning so that it can carry the passengers that we need to return to work and to other activities as they re-open. Many of these commercial operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery.

For that reason, on 25 June the Government approved temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, for the licensed bus sector. These supports are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package is restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and is targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and the revenues generated on the services.

The NTA, as the public transport licensing agency, is responsible for administering funding support through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators, including the operator referred to by the Deputy. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.