Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
194. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the policy basis for requiring Bus Éireann’s expressway services to operate on a fully commercial and unsubsidised basis; whether his Department has considered the potential role of PSO supports for routes that provide essential regional connectivity but may not be commercially viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27737/26]
View answer195. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department or the NTA was consulted in advance of the recent decision by Bus Éireann to cancel certain expressway routes following its operational review; whether an assessment has been undertaken of the potential impact of these cancellations on regional connectivity and passenger access to public transport; the number of applications from private coach operators to operate on corridors affected by these cancellations; the way in which such services are integrated into national transport planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27738/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
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.
Bus Éireann operates both Public Service Obligation services funded by the State subvention and Expressway intercity services which operate on a commercial basis and do not receive any State subvention.
I am aware that Bus Éireann recently announced the withdrawal of some services which operate under its Expressway service. This decision was taken following a financial and operational review carried out by Bus Éireann with regard Expressway performance over recent years, which sought to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the company as a whole.
As is the case with any such commercial route withdrawals, the withdrawal of these routes triggered the NTA’s PSO Determination process, the outcome of which has been published on the NTA's website. Therefore, as the query raised by the Deputy is a commercial operational matter for both Bus Éireann and the NTA, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
