Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has engaged with BusConnects Cork to ensure that rural areas in Cork benefit from the scheme. [45089/22]

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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including the BusConnects programme in Cork.

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.

Officials from my Department engage with the NTA on public transport projects across the transport sector investment portfolio, including BusConnects Cork. BusConnects Cork is currently at a relatively early stage of development and officials in my Department expect to receive a Strategic Assessment Report from the NTA for the project before the end of the year, in line with the Decision Gate 0 requirements of the Public Spending Code.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.