Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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283. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans that exist to improve public transport links from south Kilkenny into the new public transport hub in Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16649/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing TFI Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.

Under Budget 2025, the Department of Transport secured €658.442 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.

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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new and enhanced services, including in Counties Kilkenny and Waterford, 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.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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284. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans in relation to the proposed A90 bus route and when it is expected to be up and running (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16650/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing TFI Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.

Under Budget 2025, the Department of Transport secured €658.442 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.

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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new and enhanced services, including in County Kilkenny, 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.