James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

300. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department’s plans to fund Local Link services to connect local villages to towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56037/25]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

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 2026 Public Service Obligation funding allocation of €940 million represents a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025. This reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport services can continue to operate reliably and sustainably in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs.

In addition, a further €31 million has been secured for rural transport in 2026 – a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This ensures the continued delivery of vital services across rural Ireland, to meet demand in communities that depend on these services most.