Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can clarify the proposed progressing of the BusConnects scheme for Dublin in the coming year, specifically if the NTA intends to push ahead with existing dates for implementation, given the difficulty transport companies concerned have in recruiting and retaining staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10458/23]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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40. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will intervene with the NTA in relation to the ongoing deterioration of bus services in Ballyfermot as a result of the introduction of the new BusConnects routes, specifically the collapse of services in Lower Ballyfermot as a result of the introduction of the new 60 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10457/23]

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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53. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the new spines for BusConnects, particularly the G, C and D spines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10566/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 40 and 53 together.

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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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38. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will work with the NTA to increase the frequency of bus services on the S2, Sligo to Rosses Point route, to cater for the very significant increase in passenger numbers due to refugees being accommodated on the Rosses Point Peninsula. [10437/23]

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.

My Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) continue to monitor and respond to the influx of refugees due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and are factoring in the geographical spread of Ukrainian refugees into the planning process. In order to serve a dual purpose by catering for both existing demand as well as responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the humanitarian crisis, the NTA have accelerated the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, and also added additional stops, routes and services where the need has arisen.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in County Sligo, 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 days.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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39. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress and timeline for the implementation of the expansion of the 233 bus route and the further expansion of the 257 bus route under Connecting Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10540/23]

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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, including in Counties Cork and Kerry, 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.