Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to reports that there are no direct bus connections from Kiltimagh to Castlebar, Galway, or Ireland West Airport; the steps that he is taking for improvements to public transport connections for Kiltimagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63958/22]

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.

The National transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the Rural Transport Programme, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand, and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in counties Galway and Mayo, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to reports that since a multinational transport company has taken over a private bus operator in the State, the fares for ten journey passes have been increased by 33.3% from Castlebar and Ballina to Galway, and by 53% from Claremorris to Galway; if he accepts that this will particularly hit workers who choose to use the bus to commute to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63960/22]

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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. 

However, the NTA does not have a role in the setting of fares for services provided by commercial operators. That is a matter for the individual commercial operators themselves. 

Therefore, the question raised in relation to the increase in fares is an operational matter for the company concerned.