Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2025
208. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide multi-annual funding certainty for Local Link services, so that rural operators can plan and expand routes with confidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50979/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in rural Ireland. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continue the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities. Funding for the Rural Transport Programme has increased significantly in recent years from €16 million in 2022 to over €25 million in 2025.
My Department supports the expansion of Local Link in line with the recent commitment in the Programme for Government to expand these services. As with all such measures, an increase on funding for all public transport services (incl Local Link) will be considered in the upcoming Budget 2026 discussions, which is an annual process.
