Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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146. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to address the lack of a 24-hour secure coach park facility to improve safety and security for coach operators, and to assist the tourism sector in improving the visitor experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30558/24]

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, nor do I have a role in the provision of coach parking for private bus operators.

The provision of coach parking for private bus operators, including decisions regarding the hours of operation, is a matter for the relevant local councils. In Dublin City, the provision of coach parking for private bus operators would be a matter for Dublin City Council (DCC). The National Transport Authority operates one coach park in the Dublin Docklands between 7am and 7pm. I have been advised by the NTA that the operating hours of these facilities are restricted by a DCC planning condition.

Finally, queries related to the tourism sector/ improving visitor experiences would be a matter for the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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147. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of passengers on all bus services in Cork city and county for 2022, 2023 and 2024 to date. [30607/24]

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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.