Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 81 of 3 February 2021, the details of the increase in frequency of services in County Tipperary; the additional services that will be provided; when these services will become available; the basis on which the decisions to provide these services were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7473/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

25. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide a further extension of temporary emergency support for the commercial bus sector via the commercial bus operator direct award contract, which includes Expressway services once the current three-month extension expires; and his views on the importance of this funding for the continuation of the X8 Expressway service for County Tipperary. [7474/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The position remains as outlined in my response to the Deputy on the 3rd February 2021 - PQ 5016/21.

On 26 January 2021, Government agreed to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter. I very much welcome the extension of these supports which are in addition to the suite of other financial support measures that the Government has introduced including the pandemic unemployment payment and the CRSS.

Concerning the X8 Cork/Dublin Route operated by Bus Éireann as part of its commercial Expressway business - no cessation date has been confirmed by the company for this route and it continues to operate with the Government's temporary funding supports, albeit at a reduced service-level in line with the reduction in demand. The NTA are currently undertaking an examination of the route corridor to ensure there are no gaps in the network, and to assess if there would be a need to provide any additional services when the Expressway service ceases. I am assured that this will be done prior to these services ceasing operation.