Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
308. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 289 of 16 December 2025, in relation to an update on a Local Link DRT service, whether his Department and the NTA have clarified their availability of funding for DRT services for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18216/26]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
Under Budget 2026, a funding package of €940 million was secured for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (a 43% increase from €658.442 million in 2025). This will further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, while maintaining targeted fares - including initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9, and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19 – 25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. €31 million was also secured for continued investment in the rural transport programme in 2026 – a 38% increase on last year’s funding.
The Department continues to engage with the NTA to ensure existing levels of service, resilience and driver shortages are considered to ensure that planning and strategic decisions are informed by both operational and resource considerations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities 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.
