Public Transport

Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Questions (267)

Paul Lawless

Question:

267. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the lack of connectivity between Irish Rail services arriving in Ballina and Bus Éireann departures to Belmullet and Blacksod, which currently leaves visitors with insufficient transfer time or no onward connection; if he will engage with both operators to review timetables and improve integration to support tourism development in Erris, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance public transport accessibility for rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71473/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport. However, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.