In Budget 2018 I secured an additional €500,000 in funding for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which brings next years current funding allocation to €14.2 million. This builds on the increased funding in the last two years, which enabled the improvement of existing services and development of new routes.
This funding is provided to the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the RTP which now operates under the "Local Link" brand. In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding the development of Local Link services, 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.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.