Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
218. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the budget allocated to Dublin Bus for the introduction of new bus services and the enhancement of existing services across Dublin from January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35411/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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, in this case, Dublin Bus.
The Department of Transport secured €658.442 million of funding, in Budget 2025, 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. Funding was also secured to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus and rail services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.
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.
