Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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218. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the multi-year budget allocated for the Connecting Ireland rural transport plan both current and capital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27001/22]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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219. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of providing all 635 settlements with a population of over 300, with at least three return services per day seven days a week, which would require the inclusion of 23 additional such settlements to the existing Connecting Ireland plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27002/22]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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220. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of providing all settlements with a population of under 300, with at least three return services per day seven days a week, which would require the inclusion of 74 additional such settlements to the existing Connecting Ireland plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27003/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 218, 219 and 220 together.

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

The National Transport Authority (NTA) 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 the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.  

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the NTA with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, 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.