Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Local Link in Cavan could be extended to Crosskeys, which is 8 km away, to accommodate 21 Ukrainian refugees, comprised of adults, teenagers, infants and babies (details supplied). [2255/23]

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.

My Department and NTA continue to monitor and respond to the influx of refugees due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and are factoring in the geographical spread of Ukrainian refugees into the planning process. In order to serve a dual purpose by catering for both existing demand as well as responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the humanitarian crisis, the NTA have accelerated the implementation of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, and also added additional stops, routes and services where the need has arisen.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in County Cavan, 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 days.