Written answers
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Bus Éireann
John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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110. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of routes and passenger journeys per year operated by Bus Éireann services in Cork from 2020 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51555/25]
Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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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 day-to-day operational matters of public transport operators. The responsibility for the operation of the services and the issues raised are a matter for Bus Éireann itself.
Bus Éireann operates its Public Service Obligation routes in Cork, as part of its Direct Award Contract with the National Transport Authority. This contract sets out the level of service Bus Éireann provides as well as the number of routes. In addition to this, the National Transport Authority determines the schedule, frequency, fleet and fares on each of the routes.
I understand from Bus Éireann that it has shown exceptional growth on its Cork services, with passenger journeys rising from over 7.5m in 2020, which were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, to an average of over 16 million each year since 2023, with numbers on track to see a similar trajectory to the end of 2025.
This year, the network in Cork has expanded from 42 to 43 routes, continuing to meet the growing demand for reliable and sustainable public transport. The new Route 31 adds services from Knockraha to Parnell Place, providing additional connectivity to those locations. Bus Éireann has also enhanced the Route 214 service this year, to ensure a more punctual service is delivered.
Looking ahead, Bus Éireann remains committed to delivering even more accessible, high-quality services for the people of Cork in partnership with the NTA.
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