Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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29. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of purchasing 35 additional hydrogen buses for the Bus Éireann PSO fleet. [39743/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including hydrogen buses for the Bus Éireann PSO fleet.

I understand that circa 4.5 years ago, the NTA purchased a total of three hydrogen buses at an average cost of €800,000 per bus, inclusive of VAT and taking account of EUR:GBP exchange rates at the time. The NTA has not subsequently sought to procure any further hydrogen buses.

Therefore, the estimated cost of purchasing an additional 35 hydrogen buses is unlikely to be lower than €28 million, considering that any discount resulting from greater order quantity would likely be offset by the significant inflation experienced in the intervening period.

The above estimated costs exclude the capital cost of hydrogen refuelling station(s), new or modified depot facilities and electrolysers, and of the hydrogen gas itself.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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30. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of bus users on each individual bus route in Galway city and county in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [39744/25]

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