Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

The rural transport scheme has played a really important role in connectivity between our towns and villages. The note I have here indicates that in 2024 passenger numbers went up to 5.8 million, which is great. It is so important we have a local transport service that directly links up the towns and villages in our country. Cork has been a big beneficiary of this. There has been a 50% increase in the passenger numbers on rural bus services in Cork with 230,000 journeys recorded last year.

The specific route mentioned by the Deputy is being considered at the moment. I will make sure the Minister for transport is aware of what he raised.

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