As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport,
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It is the public transport operators, for example, Bus Éireann, that have responsibility for delivering and operating public transport services, in conjunction with the NTA.
Furthermore, the NTA has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport services in rural areas, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.