Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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271. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NTAs review of bus and rail fares (detail supplied) will finally end the current rip-off rail commuters are experiencing on the Northern Line from east Meath, Drogheda and Dundalk; if funding for a reviewed fare structure is agreed; if other details will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13078/23]

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

Enhancing and expanding our public transport services provision across the country is a firm commitment of this Government. To support this objective, in Budget 2023, I secured c. €563m of funding for PSO and Local Link services provided by State operators and under contract by the NTA this year.

Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services, including rail 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.

Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to NTAs review of bus and rail fares to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.