Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. 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.

While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Aircoach regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.

In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, such as Aircoach route 706/706X, the NTA has undertaken an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services. On the 12th of April the NTA published their determination which can be found online at: Route 706 Public Service Obligation (PSO) Determination - National Transport

The NTA has determined that there is not a Public Service Obligation to introduce new services to replace route 706. The services that will remain in operation along the Galway to Dublin corridor via Ballinasloe, Athlone, and Maynooth meet the minimum service standard outlined in Connecting Ireland and no immediate action is required to address the withdrawal of route 706. The NTA will continue to monitor local demands for travel along this corridor to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

In relation to your query on timetable adjustments, CityLink are commercial bus service, and responsibility for the operation of those services, including timetabling and capacity management, are matters for the company.

As the NTA is also the licensing authority for the commercial bus sector, I have also 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.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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137.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to address an issue in respect of local bus transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25129/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, including in counties Kerry and Limerick, 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.