Public Transport

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Questions (117)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

117. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if funding for Local Link will be increased in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2673/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, I fully recognise the essential role that Local Link plays in sustaining rural communities, providing dependable public transport not only for daily travel, but especially for older people, people with disabilities, and those without access to a private car.

I want to clearly reassure the Deputy that funding for Local Link has increased in 2026, and that strengthening rural public transport remains a core priority of this Government.

Following the Budget process concluded in October 2025, the Public Service Obligation allocation for 2026 has risen to €940 million - a very significant 43% increase on 2025's allocation. This record level of funding ensures that public transport services, including Local Link and other rural routes, can operate reliably, sustainably, and affordably, even as passenger numbers continue to grow and operating costs increase.

In addition, I am pleased to confirm that €31 million has been specifically secured for the Rural Transport Programme in 2026, representing a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This will support the continued delivery and expansion of Local Link services in the communities that rely on them most.

This investment underpins our ongoing commitment to Connecting Ireland, which has been a major success story. Since 2022, 185 new or enhanced services have been delivered, connecting over 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. These include 61 new healthcare connections, 41 links to higher education, and 71 connections to rail services. In 2025 alone, more than 8 million passenger journeys were made on Connecting Ireland routes.

Taken together, this funding demonstrates the Government’s clear commitment to improving the accessibility, reliability and reach of rural public transport, and to ensuring that Local Link continues to play a vital role in supporting rural life across the country.