Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
291. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the coordination that takes place between the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail, and Dublin Bus to ensure sufficient public transport capacity to and particularly from major concerts and sporting events; if there are plans to improve this coordination for the remaining events this year and for the 2026 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37803/25]
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.
There has been significant collaboration between the NTA and operators to ensure sufficient public transport capacity is provided for major events. For example, in the last week or so, the following additional public transport services have been provided to service events on top of the scheduled transport services:
• Irish Rail provided over 100 additional services, including special train services for access to concerts in Malahide, AVIVA stadium, Croke Park match fixtures and city centre events.
• LUAS provided 58 additional tram services running over 14,000 additional kilometres. In addition to these extra services, a new timetable was introduced with an enhanced timetable which has increased the baseline services on weekends by 18% on Saturday and 16% on Sundays.
• Dublin Bus have provided numerous additional bus services to facilitate events across the city where required and they also have provided buses at the end of events to clear the crowds. For example, they operate the Concert Express service to concerts in Malahide Castle and St. Anne's Park.
• GoAhead Ireland have provided additional bus services to facilitate events in Malahide Castle, Marlay Park and city centre events.
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.
