We are constantly encouraged to use public transport where available and to leave the car at home. I wish to raise problems with the bus service from Cavan to Dublin, the 109X. The service has sufficient capacity going to Dublin but there are huge problems with the return journey. Buses are at capacity when they reach the last stop out of Dublin, which is at Blanchardstown, from about 4.30 p.m. or 5 p.m. for a number of hours. In many cases the bus does not stop at all or it stops and there are one or two space available. It can leave up to 14 people behind at times. An 87-year-old man who had attended an appointment at Connolly Hospital was waiting an hour and a half for a bus and was very anxious because he thought he had missed the bus and did not know how he would get home. People tell me it can take three hours extra to get home if the bus is full when it reaches them. There is no shelter at the bus stop. Bus Éireann is aware of the issues but has not dealt with them. If we are serious about climate change, we need to create a reliable public transport system.

I am afraid I am not familiar with the 109X, but if it stops in Blanchardstown I probably should be. The provision of a shelter should not be too difficult. With the additional funding for public transport, perhaps additional capacity can be provided. If the Deputy would like to set out the details in writing on one or two pages, I will make sure the matter gets taken up with the NTA and Bus Éireann and we will see if we can make some improvements.