Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2025
194. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if his Department if aware of an application for funding approval for a Local Link bus service between Portlaw and Dungarvan in County Waterford, and the status of this application. [21954/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I hold responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport.
Under Budget 2025, the Department of Transport secured a funding package of c. €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Waterford, 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.
