Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
256. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when the new additional rural services promised under the Connecting Ireland programme will be rolled out; the services that will be involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23467/22]
View answerThe Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to increase public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns. The 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 the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
As I announced on 21st April 2022, certain routes identified by the NTA in their Connecting Ireland public consultation held in Nov-Dec 2021 will be prioritised and accelerated. This acceleration serves a dual purpose by catering for both existing demands as well as responding to the increased pressures on services where the local population has grown in response to the Ukrainian crisis. This acceleration of works will include additional stops, route modifications, and more services with the aim of increasing connectivity.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the development of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
