Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On the specific incidence he raises, I can certainly take a look at it but I cannot give any definitive answer on it. In terms of the broader scope around routes and roads, the criteria are clear about nearest and next nearest, but certainly all of that features very much in and is part of the entire review. I take the point the Deputy is making in terms of back roads as opposed to main roads. Everything can feed into this review and we can see where we are going forward. Many of the issues he raises have been raised by Deputy Crowe and Senator Dooley. I am conscious of the significant difference and challenge for rural transport, and nobody knows that better than the Deputy himself. The purpose of the review is to ensure we have a system in place in order that we do all we can to ensure the maximum number of children and young people avail of a transport system, not just from an economic point of view but also from a climate action and accessibility point of view. There is a strong body of work under way, recognising there are new opportunities to do things differently. That review will be completed in a short while and we will take it from there. I appreciate the Deputy's ongoing interest.