Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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19. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with Bus Éireann to increase the frequency of 101 bus services at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20825/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I am pleased to inform the House that the frequency of the 101 bus service at peak times will improve very shortly.

The 101 provides connectivity between Drogheda and Dublin City Centre, serving Balbriggan, Dublin Airport, N1 Business Park and Busáras. The 101 route was one part of two routes put out to tender by the National Transport Authority (NTA) last year, the other route being the 133 services linking Dublin City Centre with Wicklow. The preferred bidder for the contract was Bus Éireann and the improved services are due to commence on the 7th May 2023.

Under this new contract, the 101 will operate on a 24/7 basis, running every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday, and every 20 minutes at peak. There will continue to be an hourly service Sundays. This represents an increase in services of 6.4% compared to the current timetable.

The existing 101X service will remain largely unchanged with the exception of some timetable tweaks. The NTA have also informed me that a plan to improve bus stop infrastructure along both the 101 and 133 corridors will be agreed by NTA and Bus Éireann as part of the contract.

The NTA will provide Bus Éireann with 35 brand new vehicles made up of 19 single deck and 16 double deck regional commuter vehicles.

I am sure the Deputy will agree that both the increase in frequency and fleet renewal for this route will greatly enhance the service. This is particularly important in terms of our climate agenda and increasing the attractiveness and accessibility of public transport network.