Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 July 2024
166. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of implementing all remaining elements of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan that are not scheduled to take place in 2025; if his Department supports speeding up the plan in light of the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28882/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
From a policy and funding perspective I am very conscious of the critical role that public transport plays in reducing our carbon emissions. The provision of public transport services, for example under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, helps to ensure that no one and place is left behind in our efforts to achieve our 2030 and 2050 emissions targets. This is one of the reasons why I have increased overall funding for new and enhanced public transport services and infrastructure, including in rural and regional areas. As with all such plans, any further increases in funding to accelerate Connecting Ireland are subject to the annual Budgetary and estimates process.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for planning and detailed costings of new and enhanced public transport services nationally, and specifically under Connecting Ireland, 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.
