Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
70. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the bus route 235 from Cork to Rylane; the frequency of service as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52953/25]
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 County Cork. 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.
Under Budget 2025, the Department 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 Connecting Ireland.
As with all plans, any additional funding for rural public transport services will be considered in the upcoming Budget 2026 discussions, which is an annual 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, 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.
