Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I will take up the remarks made by the Senator. I think she will agree with me that the Government has invested €940 million in the PSO and Local Link services for next year and that demonstrates the commitment of the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I, along with the Department of Transport, to a sustainable, equitable and accessible public transport network for all, irrespective of where people are from. The Government and the Department of Transport are fully committed to investing in public transport services for the improvement of our transport network, not just countrywide but also in Cork, while also maintaining the financial sustainability of the system in the long term.

The programme for Government is very much committed to rolling out contactless payment, and to keeping fares affordable and equitable. As I said, in the case of Cork that new through platform at Cork Kent Station represents a landmark change in the delivery of the Cork area commuter rail programme. It will also allow for greater frequency. This platform is the first element of the Cork area commuter rail programme. It will also have other effects in terms of Glounthaune, Midleton, etc.

I will raise the situation in Banteer with the NTA and Irish Rail. I am not familiar with the situation and if the Senator conducts a survey on the matter, I would be happy to convey the information on her behalf. Again, I thank the Senator for raising the matter this afternoon.