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

178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will respond to a person (details supplied) who contacted this Deputy regarding transport needs in County Donegal to get to and from college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54316/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, while the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. Any decision taken by a private bus operator to withdraw its services is a commercial decision for the company.

The NTA, has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally by way of public transport services contracts, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators. When there is a withdrawal of services by an operator, the NTA undertakes an assessment as to whether the withdrawal will give rise to any loss of connectivity.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 14 June 2022, if he can confirm that catering services will be fully resumed on intercity train services from early 2023; if he will also clarify if catering services will be available at Mallow railway station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54320/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the 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 issue of the resumption of catering services on intercity train services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.