Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Carey. I also thank the Minister for being here and presenting this information. Regarding Connecting Ireland, I was looking at the figures and I also sought figures from the Department and the National Transport Authority. Last year, my understanding was that this was a five-year, €56-million project. It is one that has broad support.

I know communities that have these services very much welcome them because they are transformative. A total of €5.6 million was allocated last year. My understanding is that €3.88 million was actually invested. The NTA told us that €10 million is available for Connecting Ireland this year but the documentation provided by the Department says that just €8.35 million is available for Connecting Ireland. The remainder of the €10 million will go to new town services. In his opening statement, the Minister said that a business plan is being prepared. Nothing in this tells me that this five-year plan will be delivered in anywhere close to five years. Can the Minister outline where the project is and why over the first two years of the project, it looks like we will have a real investment of just above €10 million? It certainly does not match the type of ambition or delivery needed to make any real progress in rural transport. The Minister should bear in mind that he is pushing an open door within the political system. We want these services. What is the state of play?