Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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161. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider establishing a rural link service between Maynooth/Celbridge in County Kildare and Newcastle, County Dublin, to serve the community of Newcastle, as they await the establishment of an orbital route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41919/23]

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 the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services in Counties Kildare and Dublin, 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.

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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162. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the establishment of the W6 orbital bus route which is currently operating in two sections, as the W61 and W62; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41920/23]

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. In both the policy and funding areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.

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