AQW 7861/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 29/09/2020
Answered On Date: 06/10/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the recent decision by Bus Éireann to suspend operations on the route, whether support will be provided to Translink to enable continued provision of the Belfast to Dublin coach service.

Answer:

As a result of the impact of Covid 19 on people’s travel, Bus Éireann, has had to rationalise and consolidate its commercial services. The company has, therefore, decided to indefinitely suspend the Dublin – Belfast route, which was run on a commercial basis. Services on this route are operated on a joint basis between Translink and Bus Éireann. This decision will only affect those services delivered by Bus Éireann, and Translink is continuing to provide services on this route, which is part of its public service commitments.

I am firmly committed to ensuring our public transport services continue to operate and I continue to make bids for support to the Finance Minister and the Executive to ensure that Translink has the budget it requires to deliver all of its services across our island.