Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to report on the last meetings he held with the NTA and Bus Éireann on the current bus crisis in Cork; the date of these meetings; and when the timetable will be returned to normal. [46813/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I met with the NTA and Bus Éireann on the 18th of October to discuss public transport issues in Cork. I subsequently met with Cork County Council on the 21st of October to discuss these issues, and measures that could be introduced to improve public transport services, this meeting was also attended by the CEO's of both the NTA and Bus Éireann, the Lord Mayor of Cork and Councillors from Cork County Council.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that my Department has regular engagement with the NTA and Bus Éireann at all levels, including at CEO level, in relation to, inter alia, service related issues.

In the short term, Bus Éireann continue to build a pool of candidates that can be trained to become bus drivers, but until all these positions are filled Bus Éireann will be challenged in delivering services. Bus Éireann, and other transport operators in the country, have been working hard to fill bus driver positions as evident from their comprehensive recruitment campaigns.

The NTA meanwhile continues to work closely with all operators to try and mitigate the impacts of these driver shortages, and will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. The NTA formally meets Bus Éireann on a regular basis to review performance, associated customer feedback and driver recovery plans.

In light of Bus Éireann and the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the portion of the Deputy's question regarding an update on timetables in Cork to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the reduced timetable and the current driver deficit in Cork, including the number of drivers in training. [46815/24]

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.

As the issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Bus Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company and the National Transport Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.