Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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96. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions that can be taken to address the frequent cancellation often at short notice of the Bus Eireann Expressway No. 2 service that links Dublin with counties Wicklow and Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34074/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you, Deputy Byrne, for your question.

At the outset, it is important to distinguish between publicly subvented services, which operate under contract with the National Transport Authority, and commercial services , which are operated under licence from the NTA and do not receive State subvention. The latter are primarily run by private operators; however, Bus Éireann also operates commercial services under the Expressway brand, which I believe is the focus of the Deputy's question.

The NTA is responsible for issuing licences for these commercial services. Each licence sets out specific conditions, like where the service runs from and to, what stops it makes, and the timetable it must follow.

Bus Éireann has informed us that while most Expressway routes have remained operational this year, a small number of services have unfortunately been cancelled in recent months. This has largely been down to fleet availability. I am assured they are working hard to address these issues and are closely monitoring the situation, particularly along the Dublin-Wicklow-Wexford corridor, to maintain reliability for passengers as best they can. Additionally, I have been informed of the enhancement of services on this particular route by Bus Éireann to provide more frequent and punctual travel for all Route 2 customers.

I want to reiterate that the Government is strongly committed to delivering reliable, sustainable transport options for all our citizens. Public transport is a key part of that vision, as outlined in the Programme for Government and we remain focused on delivering services people can depend on.