Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

238. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will increase the number of buses that are placed on the Navan NX route (details supplied). [51454/22]

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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the Bus Éireann Navan NX route and the critical need for a train from Navan to Dublin, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

239. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of bus drivers in Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead; his plans to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51456/22]

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 such as driver recruitment.

I understand that many operators in the transport sector are experiencing difficulties with staffing difficulties both as a result of COVID-19 related absences and also difficulties in recruiting new drivers. These issues are found across all types of operators both public and private.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has informed me that they are working with operators to try and mitigate the impacts through recruitment campaigns in recent months with significant numbers of additional drivers expected once required training and tests are completed and licenses issued by the RSA. In addition the NTA are engaging with the RSA to try and expediate the testing and licence process for new bus drivers.