Bus Éireann rural services
Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asks the Government to ensure continued public bus services for rural communities, including in Kerry. The Taoiseach says rural transport and Expressway difficulties are matters for the company, which is reviewing its position.
There is a lot of concern about Bus Éireann. Will the Government ensure there will be a public bus service to serve rural communities, including in County Kerry, in order that especially those who can avail of free travel in places such as Killorglin, Killarney, Castleisland and Kenmare will have access to public transport? They have a right to use public transport just as much as those in Dublin who can use the Luas and other modes of public transport. Will the Taoiseach ensure the service will be continued?
Comment on this
The Deputy is aware of the rural transport scheme, to which the public service obligation, PSO, applies. He is also aware of the difficulties being experienced by Bus Éireann in the Expressway service. The company has asked Grant Thornton to look at the issue and it expects to make proposals in January. These are matters for the company which will report to the Minister in due course.