Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
199. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the reasons the National Transport Authority has no specific budget allocation for service enhancements; the number of services it assessed on a case-by-case basis that were determined to be in need of enhancement from 2022 to date in 2025; the amount of money spent by the National Transport Authority on enhancing services on a case-by-case basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31913/25]
View answerAs 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.
The Department of Transport secured €658.442 million in Budget 2025 for funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025.Budget 2025 also included the measure to extend free child fares on PSO services to children aged 5 to 8 years old.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to delivering an accessible, reliable and affordable public transport system for all our citizens, including children. Under the Programme for Government, our commitments include the rollout of contactless payments, keeping fares affordable, and examining the further expansion of free public transport for children.
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.
