Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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22. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the current provision of public transport in County Wexford, in particular his views that it is adequate to serve rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23481/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services, including the provision of PSO subvented services. Responsibility for the integration of local and rural transport services, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), was also assigned to the NTA with effect from 1st April 2012. This includes responsibility for implementing the restructuring of the RTP announced on 9th July 2013.

The re-organisation of the Rural Transport Programme and the establishment of Transport Co-ordination Units will allow Local Link Wexford to play a greater role in the provision of public transport services to rural areas.

I am acutely aware of the concerns of many people regarding recent decisions to withdraw services to a number of intermediate locations on major routes into Dublin. Major improvements to the national roads network have provided the opportunity for commercial bus operators to offer improved journey times between Dublin and the regional cities in particular, with the consequent effect of reducing the level of service provided to a number of intermediate locations.

In relation to the withdrawal of Expressway Route Number 5, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published their 'Review of the Withdrawal of Bus Éireann's Licensed Route 5 Expressway Service' on the 19th March 2015. This outlines the new and reconfigured services to be put in place to meet the transportation needs of the towns affected by the proposed withdrawal of route 5.

The announcement of changes to existing services and provision of new rural transport links to respond to the impact of the withdrawal of Number 5 is welcome. This reflects Government's commitment to maintaining access within rural communities. 

I assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with the NTA on wider issues around transport in rural Ireland.