Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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103. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with the NTA to address the 6,000 complaints submitted to the NTA in relation to cancelled, delayed or so called ghost buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63063/25]

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.

I want to reassure the Deputy that as part of my regular engagement, I met with the NTA last week to discuss a range of public transport matters, including the recent performance issues. I had also previously met with the NTA specifically on ghost buses, and they fully acknowledge that an inadequate level of service has been provided on certain routes in recent months, and they have been working closely with the operators to rectify the situation.

The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard. The NTA are also investing in a new vehicle location system for the fleet which will improve the reliability of the real time passenger information system. They continue to engage with operators to enhance service reliability and ensure continuous improvement.

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.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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104. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which wheelchair users and others with limited mobility can be better accommodated at bus stops; the way in which the need for these stops can be highlighted to and facilitated by those responsible for their provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63381/25]

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.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators and state agencies, who have responsibility for both day to day operational issues and the built environment, to progressively make public transport more accessible.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including accessible bus stops, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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105. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the implementation of the Programme for Government commitment to expand bus services in cities and continue to strengthen local urban transport in towns. [63510/25]

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. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the rollout of New Town Services.

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.