Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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176. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans to increase funding for rural transport links in Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42574/24]

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, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and the development of New Town Services.

I am pleased to confirm that I have secured a funding package of €652m for PSO and Local Link services next year. This includes funding to support fare initiatives and for the continued roll-out of new services, including the continuation of the BusConnects and Connecting Ireland programmes, and the planned introduction of further new town services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new services, including in County Kildare, 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.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans to provide rural transport links to the Ellistown and Lackagh areas of County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42575/24]

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, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and the development of New Town Services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the roll-out of new services, including in County Kildare, 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.