Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank Mr. Creegan for his opening statement. The NTA has a large remit. There is so much we can focus on. If I have a second opportunity to come in, I may have questions on the active travel remit and taxi licensing, but I wish to focus my engagement this morning on the rural transport programme, the importance of Local Link and the great work being done by the 15 Local Link structures - the transport co-ordination units, TCUs - throughout the country. I want to properly understand the extent to which the rural transport programme is a priority for the NTA. Does Mr. Creegan agree that it is necessary to recognise that rural transport should be a permanent public service? I want to properly understand the investment in Local Link. What is the budgetary investment for 2025 compared with 2024?

In the context of Local Link in Tipperary, there are 60 door-to-door services. There are six scheduled services. I acknowledge the town bus service. Mr. Nott was directly involved in that, and I really appreciate it. I want to champion Local Link, but I am not clear on the extent to which it and the rural transport project, Connecting Ireland, is for the NTA. I want the witnesses to reassure as to what is the vision for Local Link.