Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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219. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the reinstatement of the Bus Éireann service for Callan, County Kilkenny, given the significant impact that the withdrawal of the X7 Bus Éireann service is having in this rural constituency (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55138/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I am aware that the X7 Bus Éireann Expressway service ceased operations in 2017.  Commercial bus routes, such as the Expressway X7, are licensed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. Issues regarding revocation of licenses are a matter for the relevant transport operator in consultation with the NTA.

In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, the 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.

The NTA published an assessment of the transport impact of this withdrawal in February 2017 and it was concluded that the range and availability of alternative public transport services from the locations affected by the withdrawal of Bus Éireann Route X7 were considered adequate to meet demand.  I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive responses within ten working days.