Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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193. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide interim funding for the provision of a bus service to enable young people in Beara, County Cork, to access day services in Bantry, County Cork, until the permanent service is in place later in 2023. [4800/23]

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.

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 TFI Local link services, and delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. Connecting Ireland 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 light of the NTA's responsibilities for bus services in West Cork, including to/from the Beara peninsula, 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.