Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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209. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is considering the introduction of a replacement service for the Galway to Dublin 20/X20 bus service which ceased operations in 2021 given the significant demand for public transport services in communities along the route such as Loughrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3427/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the public transport sector with significant falls in passenger numbers and associated drops in fare revenues; in this context, the Bus Éireann Board, following extensive analysis and work, took the commercial decision to consolidate its Expressway network in September 2020. This decision impacted four routes including the 20/X20 Dublin/Galway service which ceased operations on 28/07/2021.

In circumstances where a commercial operator cease operating a specific route, the National Transport Authority (NTA) undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.

Due to the decision by Bus Éireann to cease operating the X20 route, the NTA completed a detailed assessment of the X20 corridor and have determined that despite Expressway’s withdrawal, sufficient connectivity is provided by the remaining operators and the public service obligation is adequately met by other rail and bus services, thereby negating the need for any further intervention on the route.

Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.