Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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140. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the campaign to extend the short hop zone to Drogheda, County Louth in the immediate future to address and reduce the unfair costs to commuters in Drogheda, County Louth and east County Meath who are subsequently travelling to Balbriggan, County Dublin to reduce their commuting costs which is creating more cars on the road at a time when Ireland is actively campaigning to increase public transport footfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44936/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  I am not involved in operational apects of public transport such as fares.  Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA is the statutory body with responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service contracts.

Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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141. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the short, medium and long-term plans of the National Transport Authority to address the transport and commuter needs of Drogheda, County Louth and its hinterland; the available funding streams that are open to both Louth and Meath County Councils to improve transport, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44979/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I know the Deputy welcomes the improvements the National Transport Authority (NTA) have introduced to Drogheda’s town bus services in recent years

I was delighted to secure additional funds last year to allow for further improvements to those services and expect that, in due course, these services will be much used by residents of the town. I am particularly pleased that these improved bus services ensure greater connectivity between the northern and southern sides of the town and, importantly, provide much improved connections to the town’s train station, and mean the town now has a real network emerging of public transport services. A network I hope to see evolve and improve in the years ahead as required.

Of course the town will also benefit from the multi-billion investment planned in DART as part of the DART+ programme and I look forward to seeing real progress in that regard during 2021 as I seek Government’s approval for the programme as a whole and, subject to that approval, individual elements of it will reach other important milestones during the year.

In relation to active travel infrastructure both Louth and Meath County Councils will be able to avail of the increased funding I have allocated for active travel and I would very much encourage both local authorities to engage with the NTA in that regard. I understand that both local authorities also availed of funding last year in relation to COVID Mobility Schemes. In the area of walking and cycling more generally, my Department also funds an extensive greenways programme and I expect a call for funding under that programme will be held later in the year.

In regard to your specific queries about the plans of the NTA, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.