William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan to expand and improve public transport options in rural and regional areas; if he will provide details of the funding allocated in 2025; the number of new routes planned; the measures in place to ensure reliability and affordability of Local Link services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62627/25]

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 have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.

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.

Connecting Ireland is a major 5-year public transport initiative developed by the NTA to increase connectivity outside our major cities and towns, which commenced in mid-2022. Over 180 new and enhanced services have commenced since then connecting 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. These services have provided connections to 61 healthcare facilities, 41 higher education facilities and 71 rail services.

Funding of €51 million was provided for Rural Regular Services in 2025 and a further €15 million was provided for new services which includes Connecting Ireland, new town services, and Bus Connects. More than 30 new and enhanced services have been implemented to date in 2025.

The NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities 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.