Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas and to piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there.

My Department and the NTA are supporting this by providing increased funding for enhancing TFI Local Link services, for both regular "timetabled" services, and "door-to-door" demand responsive services as well. There has been a substantial increase in funding allocated for Local Link services since 2016, going from €12.2 million in 2016 to €43m in 2023.

The additional funding has enabled the introduction of over 100 new Rural Regular Service routes, as well as improvements to DRT services. The new Rural Regular Services operate at least five times per day over a 5,6,7 days per week schedule. They are specifically designed to ensure connectivity with other public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages.

Additionally, we have also been exploring the expansion of non-conventional modes of transport to give the public a well-rounded transport offering. The community ethos is also maintained as we continue to operate our well-received Community Car Scheme.

One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland is under my Department and the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. The allocation for Connecting Ireland in 2023 is €8.35m, and the Budget for 2024 is currently in the process of being finalised.

An example of increased investment in County Carlow is the 887 seven day TFI Local Link bus service which frequents Carlow - New Ross, and offers enhanced connectivity to villages and areas such as Tinnahinch, Skeagh Cross and Ballinkillen Cross, which was launched in August 2023.