Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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57. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether his Department has assessed the impact of the lack of a direct public transport link between Celbridge and Naas General Hospital on older persons, people with disabilities, and those without private transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67283/25]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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As Minister of State at the Department of Transport , I have special responsibility for Rural Transport,

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators and state agencies, who have responsibility for both day to day operational issues and the built environment, to progressively make public transport more accessible for everyone.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including in County Kildare, 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.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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58. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that future public transport strategies provide adequate connections between north Kildare towns, including Celbridge, and regional healthcare facilities such as Naas General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67284/25]

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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure across Ireland.

In regards to transport strategies, a revised statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 was developed by the NTA, in consultation with the relevant Local Authorities, and published in 2023 following the Minister for Transport’s approval. This strategy sets out how transport will be developed across the region, covering Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare. The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy is due for review in 2028. Once sufficiently developed the draft Transport Strategy will be opened to full public consultation.

Connecting Ireland is the NTA’s public transport plan designed to increase travel connectivity across rural Ireland. It aims to provide better connections between villages and towns by linking these with an enhanced public transport network, which also connects to cities and regional centres nationwide.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.