Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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46. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide the current annual cost of the Local Link programme in rural areas; and if any assessments have been done on its effectiveness in reducing social isolation for older people and people with disabilities. [36482/25]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to ensuring that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.

To address specific concerns in rural areas, the Department of Transport has secured increased funding to improve rural transport services across the country, with funding increasing from €12m in 2016 to €76m in 2025. Passenger numbers have increased from 1.76 million passengers in 2015 to 5.8 million in 2024. Over 95% of passenger trips on Local Link are now accessible and the Community Transport Scheme continues to operate in 12 locations nationwide. The NTA worked with ‘Invisible Disability Ireland’ to run the "Please offer me a Seat" Campaign which assists people with hidden disabilities to let other passengers know that they would benefit from having a seat for their journey. Approximately 33,000 Cards and badges have been supplied to bus and rail stations, and TFI Local Link offices nationwide.

Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €658.442 million 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, Connecting Ireland and new town services.

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. Importantly, Connecting Ireland undergoes a phase-by-phase review to ensure the effectiveness of services and to identify further opportunities for improvement in line with community needs.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible rural transport services, 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.