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

We have already significantly enhanced some of the services to Macroom. West of there, route 257, which was part of the first phase of Connecting Ireland and goes all the way to Millstreet, was introduced in December 2022 and the patronage in the following year increased by 112%. I agree with the Deputy about the demand that is there. With regard to the section east of Macroom and extending to Cork and beyond, I agree there is a demand for a service on that route. Our job in the Department is very much to provide the funding and support, and we are doing that.

As to whether there is too much consultation, that is a difficult question. People sometimes think there is not enough and it is hard to argue against that, in particular if the NTA is carrying that out to perhaps assess what is the best final route or what level of service enhancements are to be made. I am very supportive of additional investment in a new route in this area and I hope it can be delivered quickly.

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