Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1825. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve rural transport connections nationwide. [26885/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am fully aware of the important role played by public transport in ensuring connectivity for rural communities.  This Government has supported that role through the 11% cumulative increase I secured in Budget 2017 for both the Public Service Obligation (PSO) programme and the Rural Transport Programme.  That increase means that in 2017 approximately €277million be available to the National Transport Authority to support the delivery of these important programmes, which underpin the delivery of taxpayer funded bus services across rural Ireland.  I have committed publicly to further increasing the funding of those programmes in the future as resources allow.  That Exchequer financial support is supported at a policy level by the commitment given within the Programme for a Partnership Government to review public transport policy so as to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy.  I am glad to say that this commitment is also reflected within the actions contained within Realising our Rural Potential - Action Plan for Rural Development which specifically references the rural transport dimension and the needs of rural communities.

During 2016 the Rural Transport Programme was expanded further with the addition of 21 new regular commuter bus services and the increase of €2.19m in  funding provided to the programme in 2017 will allow for further improvement in existing services and the development of new services.

Publicly funded bus services in rural Ireland are expanding and improving and that is reflected in the increases in passenger numbers, particularly within Bus Éireann's PSO network.

As well as those bus services, many rural towns also benefit from a connection to the mainline rail network. Increased funding to Iarnród Éireann in recent years has allowed for improved services and facilities across the network. I expect to receive the NTA's report soon on the recent consultation period held on the Rail Review Report 2016, a report which outlined issues for consideration on the role of rail generally in Ireland.