As I advised the House previously in reply to a similar Question, the National Development Plan 2018-27 (NDP) is a Capital Plan so its focus is on Capital expenditure for investment in infrastructure; the NDP does not relate to Current expenditure, such as funding for PSO subvention for public transport service operation which is the main type of funding relevant to the introduction of additional new services.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport passenger services nationally, including the provision of PSO bus services. The NTA also has responsibility for managing the Rural Transport Programme, which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.