Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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224. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing additional funding to the National Transport Authority to provide an additional train service from Boyle to Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66908/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services plays a central role in achieving this, working in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Irish Rail.

As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.

In light of the NTA and Irish Rail's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to them both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.