Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the roll-out of BusConnects in Dublin. [53545/21]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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167. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress on the implementation of the Dublin area BusConnects programme; if he will clarify the plans the NTA has to tender out for competitive tendering any of the routes designated in the BusConnects system or plans it has for future tendering of these routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53673/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 167 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects programme.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when approval and funding will be provided for the local bus service in Portlaoise town. [52541/21]

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, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.

As part of Budget 2022, I secured c. €538m of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services provided by State operators and under contract by the NTA. This includes over €200m of COVID-19 emergency funding in 2022 to counter the continuing impacts of the pandemic on fare revenue across transport operators. Included in the overall funding, I secured almost €1m for new town services commencing with Carlow. The planning and implementation of new town services is a matter for the NTA.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter raised by the Deputy, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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123. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made on the provision of bus shelters in County Laois in particular for Borris-in-Ossory, Castletown, Mountrath, Ballybrittas, Newtown, Crettyard and Ballylinan. [52540/21]

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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and shelters.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.