Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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834. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the funding opportunities for the improvement of public transport links to adjoining towns where none is currently provided; the analysis of gaps in service provision that have been conducted; the gaps in service provision have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24030/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Every year there is funding made available for the provision and improvement of public transport services. The Deputy will be aware that this year's total Public Service Obligation (PSO) subvention was increased by 13% when compared to last year and the total amount of money being made available to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2016 is €236.6m.It is the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority to allocate the funding to the various PSO operators. All PSO services are provided in accordance with public service contracts concluded between the NTA and the relevant operator and all payments must comply with relevant domestic and European legislation.  The issue raised in relation to service provision is a matter for the National Transport Authority and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.