Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Lawless and remind him that the Government has invested €84 million in the rural transport programme. Some €116 million has been allocated to regular rural services. In addition, €40 million has been allocated to new services including new town services under Connecting Ireland and BusConnects. There has been success in rural transport. Some 70% of those living outside our cities will have access to public transport services providing at least three return trips to a nearby town each weekday. I take the Deputy's point about people moving back home. There is housing challenge, which Government is committed to, but more than 100 new county town connections from settlements around county towns and 60 new regional intercity connections of all types have been put in place. Government is committed to rural Ireland. We are committed to investing in public transport. The proof is the envelope, that is, the funding I have outlined to the Deputy. We are investing. Contrast that with ten years ago and look at where we are today. There is a much better service and much better connectivity with an increased population.

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