Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is fair to say the Deputy has made a compelling case, but he would not expect me to give a commitment in respect of a specific route and times. He understands fully that I cannot and would not do so, as it is up to the NTA to decide that matter, but it is clear from what I said and have gathered from what has been happening in this area that the Deputy is pushing an open door. I support his sentiments. There is a real reluctance on our part to see routes in rural Ireland deteriorate or diminish in any way. I want to make that point absolutely clear.

Despite the narrative which is often peddled in this House, the Government is very committed to providing increased and better transport services in rural Ireland. One has only to look at the funding provided for Local Link services which has been increasing since 2016. With €14.9 million allocated in 2018 and again in 2019, there is additional public service obligation, PSO, funding provided for regular Local Link services. It amounted to €4.5 million in 2018, bringing total funding for Local Link services to €19.5 million. The total in 2019 will be almost €20 million. It represents a significant increases on the 2016 allocation of €12.2 million and in 2017 of €14.4 million. The increased funding has enabled the introduction of 66 new commuter services in the Local Link network since 2016, operating five, six or seven days a week. Key features of the new services include greater integration with existing public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages. Demand responsive services continued to be developed nationally throughout 2018 in response to local needs.

I wish the Deputy well in his mission tomorrow when he can certainly say I have expressed support so as not in any way to infringe on or hinder the progress of public transport services in rural Ireland.

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