Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Timmins for the matter he has raised tonight. As Minister of State in the Department responsible for transport, I recognise the vital role that enhanced connectivity plays in supporting communities across rural Ireland, including in County Wicklow. The Deputy raised it during the last Question Time. I reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability and affordability of rural public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the programme for Government.

The NTA plays a central role in achieving this as it has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. The NTA and the operators, including Bus Éireann, are in continuous dialogue regarding the operational needs, subject to funding and resource availability.

The NTA has advised the Department that plans to enhance route 132 are at an advanced stage. The Department of Transport sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide, including Connecting Ireland, which has delivered over 180 new or improved services since 2022, connecting more than 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940 million represents a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from last year. This allocation will allow existing public transport services to operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs. In addition, a further €31 million has been secured for rural transport next year, a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This ensures the continued delivery of vital services across rural Ireland to meet demand, especially for the communities most dependent on these services.

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