Thomas Gould
Ceist:121. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he has been made aware of escalating issues with punctuality and reliability in Cork’s bus service. [63070/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 November 2025
Ceisteanna (121)
Freagraí scríofa
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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which operates under the TFI Local Link brand, the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, and for the scheduling and timetabling of services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Bus Éireann.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of their contractual arrangements. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country, including in Cork.
In light of the above, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.