Written answer
Bus Services
370. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Transport when the Public Service Obligation on Expressway route 4 service (Waterford to Dublin Airport Service) as recommended by the National Transport Authority will come into service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30149/26]
Comment on this
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.
While the majority of public transport services in Ireland are delivered under the NTA’s Public Service Obligation (PSO) programme and supported by State funding, there is also an important component of the network made up of commercially operated services provided without State subvention.
As the Deputy may be aware, Bus Éireann operates both PSO services funded by the State subvention and Expressway intercity services which operate on a commercial basis and do not receive any State subvention.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases a service, the NTA has a clear statutory role to assess the impact on connectivity. This includes determining whether a replacement PSO service is required to meet identified social and economic needs. I understand that the NTA has completed its assessments of the affected routes (including Expressway Route 4) which are publicly available on the NTA’s website.
It is also important to note that, following such determinations, the NTA must allow a period of time for the market to respond, including the potential for alternative commercial operators to step in. This ensures that any intervention is proportionate and does not displace viable private 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.