Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will convey the Senator's frustration, disappointment and anger back to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, on this very important issue. I wish to reassure the Senator that the Department of Transport, the NTA and the operators will work to ensure they optimise deployment of resources across the public transport network to match changing passenger demand patterns. This will be reviewed and looked at.

I ask the Senator to continue her engagement. While the level of service provided by Citylink route 763 is considered to be sufficient for towns such as Loughrea and Ballinasloe, the NTA has other considerations to assess and it has deemed it insufficient for a town of Athlone’s population and status as a regional growth centre.Under Connecting Ireland, we have seen that a large number of regional and local routes are proposed to operate into Athlone, which will serve as a hub for the midlands, so consideration will need to be given to continue to provide high-quality intercity connectivity to both Galway and Dublin.

Looking at this collectively, I think these measures will provide not only further improved connectivity in the areas but also viable alternatives to private cars for those living in the region.

To the Senator's point about the route in question, it is a difficult situation as regards the commercial viability of the previous route. Responsibility lies with the actual operators, and I think that presents difficulties for the Department of Transport, the Minister and the NTA. I will continue to work with the Senator on this and ensure that the concerns she has raised are brought back to the Minister.