Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct. There is broad political agreement that Connecting Ireland as a concept and investment makes real sense and that it will be transformative in terms of providing more regular rural bus services and connecting to local towns and other services. We started the consultation back in the autumn of 2021. The first phase projects to test the concept in Kerry and Leitrim proved very successful. Last year, we accelerated the delivery of a number of projects because displaced people from Ukraine needed immediate services but also because the concept had not been tested. Last year, we implemented 25 new routes, of which 17 were delivered by Local Link and a further eight by Bus Éireann. It is being rolled out, is very significant and has been very successful to date. We have a very significant increase in passenger numbers, particularly younger people, availing of the better connectivity.

We now need to expand and roll out from here along the lines of that five-year plan presented by the NTA. As the Deputy notes, it takes a number of years to build up. Our biggest constraint is getting drivers. Regarding final approval in terms of Government procurement, that is working through the system but I am confident in the Government. My colleagues are completely committed and the funding we have provided will allow the NTA to continue to roll out the expanded list of services. They should be made public in the coming weeks. The NTA must manage its work with Bus Éireann and Local Link regarding the roll-out.