As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in rural Ireland. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continuing the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
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.
As with all plans, any additional funding to improve public transport in rural areas would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in county Galway, 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.
