Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

I note the fact that 240 towns and villages have been newly connected to the public transport network. That is welcome. There have been 61 new connections to healthcare facilities and 41 to higher education facilities. That is notable and laudable, and we need to say "Well done" to all those involved. I am pleased that the 888 route is expected to launch next month. That is important. We need to get the timetables. I am also pleased that the Suncroft-to-Newbridge-Kildare route is at an advanced stage. It will not come soon enough for the people who live there.

As regards the review being carried out of Newbridge to Maynooth - and I appreciate that other sensitivities need to be looked at - the concerns are that some of the commercial bus operators can stop at any time and then students can be stranded. It is therefore important that a public service be given to the students who need to travel.

I appreciate the Minister of State's response. One message I would like him to bring back to the Department is to look again at a town bus for Newbridge and Kildare that will link in with the public transport network.