Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
219. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider running a pilot late-night bus service on the 350 and 351 bus routes to cater for passengers who attend festivals and events in Galway during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51637/26]
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, including additional services for events.
While it is the NTA's priority is to provide scheduled public transport services on the TFI network, it does have a dedicated team who work with event organisers, operators, local authorities, transport operators and An Garda Síochána to provide additional transport supports where it is possible to do so, and ensure a more coordinated approach to event licencing and management of transport to and from events.
The NTA meets with all public transport operators on a regular basis, and do advise event promoters about what, if any, additional public transport services are available for particular events. Some of the events are organised without any input or involvement from the NTA, who as a result may not be aware of them until a very late stage.
Their focus in respect of events is providing additional transport to support large scale events where required and where operators are in a position (in terms of drivers, fleet and available funding) to put on additional 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.
