Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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90. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made with the roll-out of Connecting Ireland bus services; the amount allocated to the project in 2022; the estimated expenditure in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46274/22]

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.

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

In Budget 2022, I was delighted to secure an allocation of €5.6m to progress, develop and begin delivery of this important plan. To keep this momentum going, I am continuing to work closely with my colleagues in Government to secure funding for the continued rollout of Connecting Ireland over its 5-year implementation period, which started earlier this year. The 2023 allocation will be finalised in the coming weeks as part of the Estimates and Budgetary process.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under Connecting Ireland, 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.