Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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208. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be provided to expand the public transport operating times across counties Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow to match the proposed expanded opening hours of pubs and nightclubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54977/22]

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 in Ireland; 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 addition, since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the NTA.  The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers. 

In light of the NTA'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 response within ten working days.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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209. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if public transport services are proposed to be introduced between the towns of Blessington and Newbridge to allow residents who choose public transport to arrive at their place of work before 9 am each morning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54978/22]

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; 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 specific question in relation to the possible introduction of  public transport services between the towns of Blessington and Newbridge to allow residents to arrive at their place of work before 9 am each morning, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.