Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

140. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if will halt and reverse the privatisation of bus routes in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9404/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the NTA to determine the appropriate mix of directly awarded and competitively tendered Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus services. The NTA has the legal power to decide on whether to extend competitive tendering. In this, it is subject to both national and EU legislation. Further, I would like to clarify that competitive tendering is not privatisation as nothing is being sold, services are not being deregulated and control remains with the NTA.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred 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.