Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I point out that the Local Link services have accelerated in their expansion and reach, in particular over the past couple of years. Figures from the Department of Transport show that numbers taking Local Link services have shot up by more than 360% between 2020 and 2023. It was a particular commitment in the programme for Government that we would triple the use of Local Link. I was part of negotiating it myself. I am glad to see we have overshot our target there as well. There are a huge number of Local Link services opening, at an average of approximately one per week. That pace is accelerating. Last December was the busiest for new openings. We have 20 new and enhanced bus services implemented connecting towns and villages in counties Galway, Mayo, Waterford, Kerry, Sligo and Cavan. I know the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, wants to accelerate that more so the Local Link service is available to everyone in rural Ireland.

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