Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:161. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport the new investment in each bus route in Dublin for each year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51535/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Services
Ceisteanna (161)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus services.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the NTA.
A major element of the BusConnects programme involves Network Redesign. It represents a significant investment in enhanced bus services. In Dublin, implementation of the new network commenced in 2021 and is being delivered in phases over a number of years.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred the Deputy's specific question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (162)
Pa Daly
Ceist:162. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the Killarney bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51673/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €1 million has been allocated for the N22 Farranfore to Killarney (including the Killarney Bypass) scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (163)
Colm Burke
Ceist:163. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the enhancement of commuter rail services in Cork, in particular when the new stations at Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry and Tivoli will be constructed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51599/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister of Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will provide a more efficient and decarbonised transport service for the area to help facilitate population and economic growth over the coming decades.
Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. This phase has received EU Funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and is expected to be completed next year.
Phase 2 of the programme plans for the electrification of the Cork commuter rail network and the delivery of up to eight new stations in the following locations: Tivoli, Dunkettle, Water Rock, Carrigtwohill West, Ballynoe, Blackpool / Kilbarry, Monard and Blarney/Stoneview. A public consultation on Phase 2 concluded in July.
Subject to securing funding and achieving the relevant approvals, Phase 2 of the Programme will progress after Phase 1 works have been completed.
The recently concluded National Development Plan Review 2025 has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including plans for investment in the rail network, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (164)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:164. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update as to the latest status of the N17 Knock to Collooney project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51686/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €1 million has been allocated for the N17 Knock to Collooney scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (165)
James O'Connor
Ceist:165. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the current status of road projects in Cork county (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51606/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
I can confirm that €700,000 has been allocated for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme and €4,500,000 has been allocated for the M20/N20 Cork to Limerick scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the above named projects and the Cork City Northern Transport Project (formally the Cork Northern Ring Road). Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
In this regard, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the Department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road. The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.
The estimated cost of this scheme was more than €100 million, with possible staged implementation.
In line with Government requirements Cork County Council also produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme and a draft was forwarded to the Department in November 2022.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department liaised with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
The Council submitted the POD to the Department in March 2024. Following the submission of the POD, the Council commenced work on developing a brief for the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme through options assessment, design and planning, starting with the commencement of a Preliminary Business Case. The Council submitted the brief for appointment of consultants in December 2024 to the Department for review. The Council hopes to appoint a consultant in 2025 once the brief has been finalised.
An allocation of €350,000 was made to Cork County Council as part of the 2025 Regional and Local Roads Grants to assist in the development of the Preliminary Business Case.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (166)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:166. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied buses have sufficient facilities for disabled people and people with medical needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51871/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 131.
Traffic Management
Ceisteanna (168)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:168. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if an assessment has been conducted on whether traffic flow can be improved within existing constraints on the N2 between Kilmoon Cross and Rath roundabout, as an alternative to waiting years for a motorway extension to be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51161/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N2 between Kilmoon Cross and Rath Roundabout.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (169)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:169. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the earliest estimated completion date of the N2-Clontibret to the Border road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51816/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Ballymun to City Centre Core Bus Corridor.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the NTA.
BusConnects is the NTA's plan to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in our cities.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor planning applications, with the Ballymun / Finglas to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme being approved in March 2024. This Proposed Scheme will have an overall length of approximately 11km and is comprised of two main sections in terms of the route it follows, namely:
Ballymun to City Centre; and
Finglas to Phibsborough.
The NTA recently concluded tendering process for the appointment of the Contractor for the Ballymun/ Finglas to City Centre Scheme. The NTA has submitted the project Final Business Case to my Department for review and it is under consideration by my officials. I intended to bring the Scheme to Government for approval in the coming weeks. If approved by Cabinet at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, this will allow the Scheme to enter construction in 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's specific question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (170)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:170. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the core bus corridor project from Ballymun to the City centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51812/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Ballymun to City Centre Core Bus Corridor.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the NTA.
BusConnects is the NTA's plan to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in our cities.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor planning applications, with the Ballymun / Finglas to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme being approved in March 2024. This Proposed Scheme will have an overall length of approximately 11km and is comprised of two main sections in terms of the route it follows, namely:
• Ballymun to City Centre; and
• Finglas to Phibsborough.
The NTA recently concluded tendering process for the appointment of the Contractor for the Ballymun/ Finglas to City Centre Scheme. The NTA has submitted the project Final Business Case to my Department for review and it is under consideration by my officials. I intended to bring the Scheme to Government for approval in the coming weeks. If approved by Cabinet at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, this will allow the Scheme to enter construction in 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's specific question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (171)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:171. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the strategies planned by his Department to increase the number of bus drivers in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51680/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government (PfG) has committed to "Work to enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles".
My Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to progress this PfG commitment and to identify options to assist with resolving challenges regarding the recruitment of drivers and mechanics/craftworkers. The taskforce includes representatives from the school transport section in the Department of Education, relevant agencies and transport operators including Bus Éireann, and training bodies.
The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues, and put forward an action plan with recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these wider issues. Officials in my department will also continue to engage with other stakeholders, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, during the preparation of the action plan.
In line with this work, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment signed regulations on 11 April 2025 extending the general employment permit quotas for HGV/Bus mechanics and vehicle repairers, increasing the total number of quotas available for these roles by 200 permits.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (172)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:172. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on progress in advancing the N/M20 Cork-Limerick motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51709/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €4.5 million has been allocated for the N/M20 Cork-Limerick motorway scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Airport Policy
Ceisteanna (173)
Pa Daly
Ceist:173. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to increase the viability and capacity of regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51676/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with our National Aviation Policy, Government provides substantial annual funding under a Regional Airports Programme. This Programme, which is administered by my Department, supports Ireland’s smallest regional airports, those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million passengers per annum. Kerry Airport along with Ireland West and Donegal airports are currently eligible for funding under this Programme.
Under the current Programme for the period 2021-2025, a budget of €18 million is available for allocation this year. This funding will support vital safety, security and sustainability operations and activities at these airports.
A Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal and Dublin airports is also supported.
A mid-term review of the current Programme was undertaken with the high-level outcomes announced in July 2024. A public consultation was undertaken by my Department at that time to inform this review. While the primary focus of this review was on the performance of the Programme to date, it was recognised that recommendations and proposed actions on foot of the review may contribute to the development of policy on future appropriate and cost-effective support measures for regional airports in Ireland, including the development of any future Programme.
The Programme for Government commits to continue to invest in regional airports and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. While the immediate actions announced under the mid-term review have already been delivered, other actions are currently being considered in the development of this new Programme, which is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority this year.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (174)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:174. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport the current prevalence of the practice of injecting additional buses along routes when such routes have reached capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51536/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (175)
David Cullinane
Ceist:175. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on national roads upgrade funding for Waterford city and county. [51389/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In 2025, Waterford City and County Council received an allocation €8,455,131. This consisted of €8,121,500 for capital investment in protection and renewal of the national road network, and €333,631 for current maintenance of the national road network. Following the review of the NDP that was published in July, my Department is currently developing sectoral plans of the capital projects and programmes to be prioritised over the next five years. Alignment with the National Planning Framework will be considered in developing these plans.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding investment in the national road network in Waterford city and county. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (176)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:176. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to the need for an additional train station in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51661/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including a proposed new station in County Louth, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
I am unaware of a business case for a new station in County Louth, though this issue can be kept under review as the population changes. An additional station would require funding and have to secure relevant approvals required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. Iarnród Éireann will engage with any parties proposing a new station and my Department will continue to keep me informed of this issue.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (177)
Paula Butterly
Ceist:177. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider amnesty, or abolish the reapplication process and practical driving test, for licences for Jeep and trailers when someone already has a licence, hence removing them from the driving test waiting list and freeing up space. [51424/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply.
The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are set at EU level. In particular, the driver testing process is intended to ensure that someone has the necessary skills and competence to drive a particular class of vehicle safely, unaccompanied, on public roads and I am not in a position to change these requirements.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (178)
Joe Cooney
Ceist:178. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport if public consultation is carried out in identifying local link routes or routes under the Connecting Ireland plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51614/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of public transport connectivity in rural Ireland. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.
Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €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, Connecting Ireland and new town services.
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 service in rural areas, 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (179)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:179. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the number of routes and passenger journeys per year operated by local link Cork from 2020 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51554/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of public transport connectivity in rural Ireland, including in County Cork. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.
Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €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, Connecting Ireland and new town services.
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 service in rural areas, including Cork, 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.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (180)
Tony McCormack
Ceist:180. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve public transport services in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51420/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Offaly. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continue the roll-out of Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €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 of new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as Connecting Ireland.
As with all plans, any additional funding for rural public transport services would be subject to the upcoming annual Budgetary and Estimates process.
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA responsibilities for public transport services in County Offaly, 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.