Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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154. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the current status of the BusConnects Limerick project, including the specific timelines for its delivery, given that approximately half of the primary and secondary schools in Limerick city west currently lack any bus service; and if he can provide a commitment to prioritising public transport funding to expedite the implementation of BusConnects in this area. [5413/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including for BusConnects Limerick.

In 2023, the NTA carried out an extensive review and public consultation of the bus network in Limerick, in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Bus Éireann, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates. The NTA published its final new bus network for Limerick in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the nine key elements of BusConnects Limerick that aims to transform the city's bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.

The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Limerick city. Overall, 41% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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155. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on the possibility of developing a bus route to run between Ringaskiddy and Crosshaven, County Cork, to benefit school students (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5428/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 6 February 2025, if he will request a written report from the NTA in relation to the ghost busses on the S4 bus route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5453/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As per my previous response to Deputy on this specific issue I would like to clarify that 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 this case Go Ahead.

However, I met with the National Transport Authority today. I’m pleased to say they are taking this very seriously and a detailed review is underway as to what happened over the last few weeks. They have assured me that additional resources with the bus operators are in place or are shortly going to be in place.

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