Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2024
129. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport his plans to set up community bus services during the day, to offer school bus drivers more paid hours during the day in order to alleviate the shortage of school bus drivers available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37104/24]
View answerAs 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 TFI Local Link services and Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, including Regular Rural Bus Services, Door-to-Door Bus services and pilot transport initiatives such as the Community Car Scheme, 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.
