Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons that used Bus Éireann, Local Link and Irish Rail services in 2020 and 2021. [36621/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services.

The query raised regarding the number of persons that used Bus Éireann, Local Link and Irish Rail services in 2020 and 2021 is a matter for the individual companies and the National Transport Authority (NTA). Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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36. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the new routes proposed under the Connecting Ireland scheme in counties Longford and Westmeath; the funding allocated to this scheme in the counties; and the process by which new routes may be added to the scheme. [36622/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme, operating under the TFI Local Link brand, and the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

The Deputy will be pleased to learn that the Connecting Ireland consultation process wrapped up in December 2021, and the consultation report was published on the 3rd of May 2022. It is now available online on the NTA's website - www.nationaltransport.ie/connecting-ireland-rural-mobility-plan-public-consultation-report/

Regarding the timeline, currently, delivery and improvement of routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised. Additional public transport services are being made available through an acceleration of network improvements, which include the provision of additional stops, route modifications, and delivering more services with the aim of increasing connectivity. These services will ensure better access for all those housed in our rural communities.

For further details on the rollout of the Connecting Ireland plan in counties Longford and Westmeath, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.