Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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372. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration that has been given to providing financial assistance to Dublin Bus in view of the impact from Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19427/21]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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373. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports that will be given to public transport operators such as Dublin Bus, Luas and Iarnród Éireann in view of shortfalls in passenger numbers and revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19428/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.

As Minister for Transport, 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, and for the allocation of associated funding to Dublin Bus and other CIÉ companies, along with other relevant transport operators.

The Covid-19 health emergency brought a profound and swift shock to the public transport sector. Public transport’s designation as an essential service throughout the pandemic means, that although fare revenues have collapsed, most of the cost of operations remains and must continue to be met in order to fulfil Government’s broader policy objectives. In recognition of this situation and in order to support continuation of the services, Government support for all public transport services in 2020 amounted to over €620m. By comparison, the level of PSO and Local Link funding provided in 2019 was in the region of €300m.

Due to the current Level 5 restrictions in operation, fare revenues on all modes of public transport continue to be severely depressed. My Department, in conjunction with NTA, will continue to monitor PSO and rural transport funding and other commercial bus supports during 2021. Over €670m has been provided in Budget 2021 to ensure that the existing level of public transport services, albeit at a higher cost, continue to operate in a safe manner. Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. This support is allocated by the NTA to ensure that the services provided by the CIÉ companies, Luas, Local Link, other PSO operators and commercial bus operators can continue to operate for those who need it most but, in particular, frontline workers and schoolchildren.