Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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141. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action his Department is taking to improve modes of public transport, in particular the national bus service, given that passenger numbers have in some cases exceeded pre-Covid levels, resulting in capacity issues on many bus routes across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21032/23]

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. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects in the five cities, new and improved town services in key towns and new and enhanced services across rural Ireland under the Connecting Ireland programme.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including bus services and infrastructure. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.