Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
239. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to support rural transport in County Kerry by providing the required funding for additional routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48479/26]
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, the Department of Transport secured €940 million of funding for Public Service Obligation and TFI Local Link services providing a significant 43% uplift from 2025. This package includes €31 million for rural transport service provision, representing a 38% increase on last year’s funding.
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 the upcoming Ennis town service.
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 Local Link services. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational improvements where possible. Decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
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.
