Claire Kerrane
Ceist:114. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will fund the expansion of Local Link services in Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14233/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 February 2026
Ceisteanna (114)
Freagraí scríofa
As I have mentioned already today, there has been considerable investment in services throughout the country under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, improving how rural communities access Public Transport. I am pleased to state that passengers are responding to this continued investment, with TFI Local Link services recording a combined 6.97 million passenger journeys in 2025, marking another record year and a 19% increase on 2024.
A great example of this continued investment in Galway can be seen in Route 548, which was extended in July of 2025 from Ballinasloe to Athlone and offering weekend services for the first time. This enhanced route offers connectivity to regional bus services, Ballinasloe and Athlone Train Stations.
In Counties Roscommon, Longford and Westmeath, funding increased by 55% between 2024 and 2025 to over €4m, boosting passenger numbers by 91%. A great example of this continued investment can be seen in the launch of Route 570, in September of 2025. This enhanced route offers peak-time services and connectivity to Roscommon Hospital, Roscommon Station and to regional bus services.
I want to reassure the Deputy that funding for Local Link has increased again in 2026, and that strengthening rural public transport remains a core priority of this Government. Following the Budget process, concluded in October 2025, the Public Service Obligation allocation for 2026 has risen to €940 million - a very significant 43% increase on 2025's allocation. This record level of funding ensures that public transport services, including Local Link and other rural routes, can operate reliably, sustainably, and affordably, even as passenger numbers continue to grow and operating costs increase.
In addition, I am pleased to confirm that €31 million has been specifically secured for the Rural Transport Programme in 2026, representing a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This will support the continued delivery of Local Link services in the communities that rely on them most.
This investment underpins our ongoing commitment to Connecting Ireland, which has been a major success story. Since 2022, 185 new or enhanced services have been delivered, connecting over 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. These include 61 new healthcare connections, 41 links to higher education, and 71 connections to rail services. In 2025 alone, more than 8 million passenger journeys were made on Connecting Ireland routes.