250. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport the accountability the National Transport Authority has to him in the event of lack of supply of fleet to Bus Éireann, when spare fleet exists in storage by Dublin Bus (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52609/26]

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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of public transport, such as bus fleets.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Pending a more detailed response, I note there are currently 98 zero-emission battery-electric buses awaiting deployment pending the installation of charging infrastructure. 56 of these buses are to be deployed in the Greater Dublin Area later this year with the remaining 42 buses to enter service in Galwayacross late 2026 and early 2027. The rollout of these buses has allowed for the operation of fully electric bus services in Limerick and Athlone.

To help address the mismatched timelines of charging capacity and fleet delivery in future, the NTA plans to award a new national electric bus charging infrastructure framework shortly. This framework, from which suppliers can be accessed for depot electrification projects anywhere in the country in the future, will replace the fragmented, project-by-project procurement approach to date

Significant efforts are underway by the NTA and transport operators to move electric buses into passenger service, and I look forward to the continued rollout of electric buses across the country.