Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review correspondence (details supplied) regarding the lack of rural transport in County Monaghan; his views on this matter; the actions his Department is taking to combat rural isolation as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12586/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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While as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, it is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of accessible, integrated and sustainable 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 TFI Local Link brand.

In this role, the NTA has launched the Connecting Ireland Plan which looks to expand the public transport network and increase service levels in rural areas specifically. It is expected that an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services will be delivered as part of the five-year Connecting Ireland plan. As a result, hundreds of rural villages and areas will, for the first time, be served by a viable public transport link.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in rural areas, including in County Monaghan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.