Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to alter restrictions on public transport to allow buses to run at 75% capacity rather than 50% capacity on service routes considering that many service routes are now over capacity and persons are being left behind at bus stops due to lack of space on buses that are in compliance with 50% capacity rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28255/21]

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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.

On 10 May 2021, the capacity restrictions on public transport were increased from 25% to 50% of onboard capacity (sitting and standing) across all services under updated measures announced by Government. Public transport has also now largely returned to normal scheduling.

Government recently agreed that the ending of the 50% capacity restriction on public transport will be considered for August, subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.

My Department and the NTA continue to be guided by public health advice and are closely monitoring public transport demand.