Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
159. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he can outline the funding that was allocated to the NTA in Budget 2026 for the rollout of new rural bus routes as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45924/26]
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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services.
My Department provides aggregate funding for rural transport services to the NTA.
The total annual allocation for the Rural Transport Programme and Local Link services includes funding for rural regular services from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget provision. The total allocation amount, including PSO allocation, for 2026 is €97m.
The PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the Network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs.
The focus for 2026 is on stabilising the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments, the new Mullingar town service, and upcoming Ennis town service. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational improvements, where possible within its €940 million current allocation. Decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
