Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for giving me this opportunity. I assure the committee that the Department is doing everything it can. I am in constant contact with my Oireachtas colleagues in the constituency, including Deputy Ó Cuív and the Chairman's party colleague, Senator Ó Clochartaigh, and the councillors who represent the local area. As members are probably aware, Galway County Council's annual budget meeting for 2017 is taking place at present. This matter will be discussed at that meeting. I am sure Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil councillors are fully briefed on the importance of this issue. I hope the proposal that is to be made at this afternoon's meeting will allow the situation to be rectified.

Ultimately, it is up to the provider. In the meantime, my Department is doing all it can to ensure we get an alternative company involved, if needs be. The operator I spoke to yesterday stated that the continuation of the services will depend on the outcome of today's council meeting.