Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a shortage in drivers for the Local Link bus service due to the restriction which prevents operators from using drivers over 70 years of age. [48904/21]

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated to the Local Link service in each of the past five years; the factors that determine the annual funding allocations; and his plans to expand the service. [48905/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.

My Department provides aggregate funding for Local Link services to the NTA.

Since 2018 the total annual allocation for Local Link services has included funding for rural regular services from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget provision. The total allocation amounts, including PSO allocations, are outlined below,

2016 - €12.2m

2017 - €14.4m

2018 - €19.5m

2019 - €21.0m

2020 - €23.4m

2021 - €28.2m

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in the matters raised by the Deputy, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.