Edward Timmins
Ceist:104. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport when the increase in the 132 bus service that was scheduled for April of this year will happen. [51677/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Services
Ceisteanna (104)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I fully recognise the vital role that enhanced connectivity plays in supporting communities across rural Ireland, including County Wicklow.
Operational decisions regarding service delivery rest with the National Transport Authority or the NTA, in collaboration with transport operators and subject to funding and resource availability. The NTA has advised the Department that plans to enhance route 132 are at an advanced stage. Discussions around funding for the Public Service Obligation PSO programme are ongoing, as is regular engagement between the NTA and operators on resource needs.
The Department remains committed to expanding rural transport in line with the Programme for Government’s pledge to continue rolling out the Connecting Ireland initiative, and as mentioned previously, Budget 2026 discussions will include consideration of increased funding for all public transport services, including those serving rural areas.
I am acutely aware of the importance of better connecting rural communities with improved public transport. These connections bring social, economic and environmental benefits and are opening up new ways of travelling across the country. Routes such as this year’s new service between Carnew and Baltinglass include evening connections and facilitate smooth integration with regional bus routes, further strengthening mobility and access for local residents across the wider region.
Since 2022 Connecting Ireland has delivered over 175 new or improved services, linking more than 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. In 2024 alone, nearly 8 million passenger journeys were recorded on Connecting Ireland services. I want to build on that success and look forward to working with the Deputy in that regard.