Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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26. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the provision of evening bus services between Galway city and Loughrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40396/24]

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 request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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27. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if commercial bus operators will be included in the continuing reduced fare scheme and the extended children's free travel, in order to increase the reach of public transport. [40408/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Under Budget 2025, funding has been allocated to the Department of Transport to extend the existing free travel scheme for children under-five travelling on subsidised public transport services to now include children between five and eight years old.

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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28. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost per kilometre of subvention for commercial bus operators services scheduled by the National Transport Authority, compared to the cost per kilometre of subvention for PSO services [40409/24]

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.