Jerry Buttimer
Cork South-Central · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Its priority is to provide scheduled public transport services on the TFI network. It works with event organisers, operators, local authorities and An Garda Síochána to provide additional transport supports where it is possible to do so.”
“I commit to relaying the points the Senator has made on the floor of the House, and has conveyed to me in private, to the Department of Transport. To be fair to the Senator, it was not only this morning that he has articulated this. The travelling supporters of Kerry and Mayo deserve additional transport.”
“I understand from the company that the Expressway team is currently examining whether additional services on route 22 will be added on the morning of Sunday, 26 July.”
“In this case, for Kerry and Mayo, as the Senator rightly said, it will see a high demand for scheduled and additional services. The Senator has outlined the volume of tickets sales. This is the busiest time for scheduled intercity services anyway, given that it is peak summer time, and that is a priority.”
“I understand from speaking to Irish Rail that it hopes to be in a position to confirm the number of additional services later this week - I am hoping this will be today or tomorrow - and it will advise customers as soon as these services are available to book.”
“The Senator mentioned Sneem and Ventry. He and I will remember our great friends, the late, great John Egan and Paudie O'Shea, as well as the Senator's brother Tim. I get emotional because they were great GAA people. Cork and Kerry have the best supporters of the GAA.”
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“I thank the Acting Chair. I apologise to the House for being late. I was in the Dáil and could not get over here fast enough. l thank Senator Ryan for raising this important matter. I would like to clarify for Senator Ryan that the Minister for Transport, on whose behalf I am taking this matter, has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but neither the Minister nor his officials are involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. That is an important point to make. The statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally rests with the National Transport Authority, NTA, as the Senator knows quite well.”
“However, I am confident, along with the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, that the scaled-up investment in public and active transport, coupled with suitable and targeted demand-management measures, can help to address congestion in a meaningful way over the longer term. I thank the Labour Party for raising the matter this morning. It is an important issue to debate and for which to seek solutions.”
“Deputy Eoghan Kenny will know how, in his constituency this week, we saw people protesting about the provision of cycle lanes, which poses a question about what is to be done and how it is to be achieved when a council votes - I think unanimously - to support the Part 8 there. With the projects delivered, we are beginning to see connectivity and the transport network improve, but it is vital that we continue to improve the commuter offering and that commuters choose every day to use public transport. The Government is committed to the delivery of major sustainable transport projects and service improvements. Although it has allocated unprecedented funding to the transport sector for the next four years, investment decisions will require a degree of sequencing and prioritisation of individual projects.”
“Increased services have led to exponential growth in passenger numbers, with almost 8 million passengers recorded across Connecting Ireland services in 2024. I will outline again the Government's commitment to investing in active travel and diverse transport options to encourage a modal shift away from private car use, reduce transport emissions and alleviate congestion. This week, the Government announced its active travel measures, under which it has committed up to €1.8 billion for active travel and greenway programmes up to 2030. On Monday, the Minister for Transport announced, as I did in Cork, €360 million in funding to local authorities for walking and cycling infrastructure developments this year, which is a continuation of the high level of investment since the start of the decade.”
“The third is providing supports for independent travel, and in this regard I understand the NTA is rolling out the expansion of the independent travel support scheme to Dundalk and Drogheda, along with Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and the Louth-Meath-Fingal Local Link areas. Turning to rural transport, the Deputies will be aware that the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan is a major public transport initiative developed by the NTA to increase connectivity outside our major cities and towns. As Minister of State with responsibility for rural transport, I can say it has seen exponential growth over the last few years, with 185 new and expanded services rolled out since 2022 and more than 240 towns and villages connected to the public transport network.”
“Improvements to the vehicle location system are planned under the next-generation automatic vehicle location project and enhanced safety measures are planned with the introduction of the transport security force. There are three aspects to improving transport accessibility for people with disabilities. The first is ensuring a universal design approach for all new infrastructure, and our ambitious investment programme will adhere to this. The second is addressing legacy infrastructure deficits, and we have also greatly enhanced the funding to retrofit legacy inaccessible parts of our infrastructure. We will maintain that increased level of funding to ensure that disabled people are able to just turn up and go.”
“I heard Deputy Ahern's concerns about his area and will bring them back. It is acknowledged that there have been ongoing challenges regarding reliability and frequency of public transport services, often due to traffic congestion, driver and mechanic shortages or unforeseen incidents. The Department is working closely with the NTA to try address these issues through initiatives such as the public transport workforce task force and robust financial oversight to ensure value for money, leveraging the Department’s public service obligation, PSO, oversight group. Further measures are planned to enhance the customer experience across services.”
“The Department of Transport will continue to examine the potential to accelerate the construction of DART+ South West in the context of the progress of the wider investment programme in the years ahead, as well as considering the potential afforded by the review of the national development plan allocations in 2028. Turning to public transport services, the National Transport Authority, NTA, continuously monitors the punctuality and reliability of and demand for services. I heard the remarks of Deputies opposite regarding reliability and ghost buses. The recent roll-out of BusConnects Dublin phase 7, which was responsive to the feedback provided in the interest of passenger needs, demonstrates the collaborative approach between the NTA and the public transport operators.”
“This is ahead of the post-2030 schedule for the project’s construction in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042. This will provide significant benefits, not only to the immediate communities, but also to commuters from a wider catchment area thanks to the inclusion of a park and ride facility. As well as this, funding will see construction start on the DART+ programme, beginning with DART+ West over the coming years. It should be understood that this is a crucial enabler of the rest of the programme and particularly of DART+ South West. The programme will provide thousands of additional commuters with quick, frequent access.”
“As outlined in the sectoral investment plan for transport published last November, this funding will see commencement of key projects, including MetroLink, Luas Finglas, the DART+ programme, and the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris, as well as implementation of the Cork area commuter rail programme and BusConnects programmes across our cities. I assure all Members of the House that, contrary to some recent media publications and commentary, the sectoral investment plan involves a funding ratio of at least 2:1 of new public transport to new roads projects. For the next five years, approximately €3.3 billion will be allocated to new roads investment at a minimum, and approximately €7 billion to new public transport investment. In particular, the funding will allow Luas Finglas to commence construction by 2029.”
“In addition, the Department is developing the next road traffic Bill to legislate for camera enforcement and mobile phone and seat belt offences and there has been a significant increase in spending on public awareness, communication and education campaigns by the Road Safety Authority in recent years, with a ring-fenced budget of €18 million set aside for these activities this year. Turning to public transport, within its first year, the Government published a review of the national development plan, which will see record sums of investment in public transport in the years ahead. Over the next four years, €10.1 billion will be invested in public transport infrastructure, with a further €2 billion being drawn down from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to progress MetroLink.”
“In addition, there is also a need to consider overall transport demand and options for optimising the efficiency of the overall transport network, with a particular focus on areas where feasible alternatives are already available or are being delivered. As I mentioned already, it is expected that the new moving together strategy will be approved early this year. The motion also refers to delays experienced by commuters and drivers on our roads. To deliver on the programme for Government and our roads strategy, work on the first national safe strategy is now at an advanced stage and it is expected it will be approved shortly. This will provide a framework for increased deployment of cameras across the network to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of traffic offences.”
“The strategy reflects the Government's commitment to further expanding opportunities for flexible and remote working and encouraging greater utilisation of remote working hubs, having regard to the potential for reducing kilometres travelled, particularly in commuter journeys. The Government is conscious of the cost of congestion and the turmoil it causes in the lives of people. Analysis by the Department of Transport indicates that by 2040, annual costs of congestion are projected to reach €1.5 billion in the greater Dublin area, €97 million in Cork, €107 million in Galway and €22 million in Waterford. A multifaceted approach is needed to address congestion, having regard to supply and demand. On supply, the Government is making significant investments in transport infrastructure and services, which I will discuss in a moment.”
“While the Government did not exclude any category of worker or occupation from this right, not all occupations, industries or particular roles in an enterprise will be suitable for remote working. As such, it is for each employer to determine, in line with legislation, whether it is possible to agree to a remote working arrangement. Providing a right to request supports and facilitates remote working and supports a productive and more competitive business environment. My Department supports the role remote working can play in taking pressure off the transport network. This is reflected in recommendations to be included in a new transport strategy called "moving together", which is expected to go to the Government shortly.”
“I also welcome the chance this morning - I am taking this debate on behalf of the Minister for Transport - to discuss the solutions already being progressed and those that are captured as part of the wider initiatives across the Government. I am tabling an amendment, although there is much we agree on and very little we disagree on as regards flexible working and commuter delays. On flexible working, one of the key actions identified by the 2021 Making Remote Work: National Remote Work Strategy was the right of all workers to request remote work. This right commenced in March 2024 through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.”
“I thank the Labour Party for raising this matter this morning. To begin, I will digress from my prepared remarks by agreeing with Deputy Wall that it is time TII sat down with all of us, not just to discuss the M50, M7 or M8, but the N40 in Cork because it is unacceptable that a whole commuter thoroughfare to Dublin or Cork be ground to a complete stop. I have raised the matter with TII and I will meet it soon and will raise the matter again on behalf of Deputy Wall and me. It is an opportune time for this debate about the issues of flexible working and those faced by commuters in the broader context. I think we will all agree about the importance of developing a strategic public transport network and addressing the issues of congestion and emissions.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: — the Government is committed to the delivery of major public transport projects, as evidenced by last year's review of the National Development Plan (NDP) allocation of €24.3 billion to transport projects from 2026 to 2030; — the NDP Sectoral Plan for Transport 2026-2030 involves a funding ratio of at least 2:1 in favour of new public transport over new roads projects, and for the next five years there will be approximately €3.3 billion allocated towards new roads investment and, at a minimum, approximately €7 billion towards new public transport investment; — while the Government has allocated an unprecedented level of investment in transport, representing an almost 87 per cent increase as compared to the previous five-year period, investment decisions will always require a degree of sequencing and prioritisation of individual projects; — for public transport infrastructure, there is circa €12.1 billion in funding in the new NDP from 2026 to 2030, and this represents more than double the amount provided in the previous five years; — the funding in the new NDP will provide for the progression of a number of major public transport projects over this period, including the commencement of construction of MetroLink, Luas Finglas, the Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART)+ programme, and the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris, as well as the continued implementation of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme and the BusConnects programmes across Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford cities; — in particular, the funding will allow Luas Finglas to commence construction within the period of this NDP, which is ahead of the post-2030 schedule for the project's construction commencement in the National Transport Authority Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy; — furthermore, funding secured under this NDP review will see construction start before 2030 on the DART+ programme, beginning with DART+ West, which is a crucial enabler of the rest of the programme and particularly DART+ South West; — on public transport services, Public Service Obligation (PSO) journeys have continued to grow steadily, reaching a record 343 million passenger journeys by the end of 2024, and this represents an increase of 32 million journeys compared with 2023, and exceeds prepandemic levels, and a significant milestone was reached in October 2024, when PSO services recorded one million journeys in a single day, and although the full year figures are not yet available for 2025, early indicators show continued growth, with Dublin Bus recording 164 million journeys in 2025, an increase of 5 million on 2024 and the highest annual total on record; — Connecting Ireland is another strong example of progress, delivering exponential growth in rural transport since its launch in 2022, with 185 new and enhanced services having been introduced, resulting in almost 8 million passenger journeys in 2024, and where Connecting Ireland services have been implemented, patronage rose by 38 per cent from 2023 to 2024, and is up by 165 per cent compared to early 2019; and — in addition, €360 million has been allocated to Active Travel and Greenway Programmes in 2026, continuing the high level of funding which has seen €1 billion invested in walking and cycling infrastructure projects since the start of the decade, and over 1,000 kilometres of active travel infrastructure has been constructed since 2021, with networks of walking and cycling infrastructure beginning to emerge in our towns and cities, allowing commuters to choose active transport modes to travel to work and school; and affirms Government efforts to: — deliver public transport projects; — support households and businesses through addressing congestion; and — work to address Ireland's climate targets.".”
“I remind the Senator, though he probably does not need reminding, that the N59 in the Clifden to Maam Cross project is among the projects listed in that plan, which is a measure of the importance of this crucial artery. I look forward to the publication in the coming weeks of the national roads allocation for this year. The Senator was very anxious, as he has articulated this morning. that it is important to keep this progress moving forward. I agree with him in that and hope we can work together to bring resolution to the need to progress the road further.”
“Again, through the good advocacy of Senator Kyne, €10 million was allocated in capital funding to the national roads network in Galway. It is about the renewal and protection of existing road networks. The programme for Government is committed to enhancing connectivity across urban rural areas and investing in diverse transport options, including roads. In this case, in the programme for Government there is a commitment to funding for new roads and the maintenance of existing roads as part of the NDP review. The plan was published in November of last year. This sectoral investment plan sets out the capital ceiling up to 2030 and foresees increased commitment and investment in transport infrastructure and roads, compared to the first half of the decade.”
“Galway County Council, supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland, is progressing a solution in relation to a planning condition with respect to the approval of method statements outlining how the project will comply with the condition. As part of this work, a section 146B application was submitted by Galway County Council to An Coimisiún Pleanála on 30 October last year seeking alterations to the planning conditions for the project. A decision is due, we are told, in the coming weeks. Subject to An Coimisiún Pleanála's approval of the application, it is the intention of Galway County Council to commence advance works for the project, such as the archaeological investigation contract, this year. I hope the Senator finds the information useful.”
“I am very much aware of the status of the N59 as a lifeline road, as identified by TII in its national road strategy for the period to 2040. Like other lifeline roads, it is in a rural area with complex topography and few alternative routes. The Senator outlined succinctly the issue with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The N59 plays a vital role in connecting the rural communities of Connemara to Galway city. In that regard, I am happy to note the completion of the Moycullen bypass in recent years, which has improved the quality of life for the people of Moycullen, in addition to ensuring better connectivity between Galway, Oughterard and Clifden. With regard to the N59 between Bunnakill and Claremount, I can confirm the project received an allocation of €100,000 last year.”
“Approximately €502 million in Exchequer funding was provided through TII to local authorities for national roads last year. We are awaiting the imminent publication of this year's roads allocation. This is used for the construction of major new projects as well as the protection and renewal of the existing network. Almost €10 million of this funding was allocated to Galway County Council. The allocations for this year will be made in the coming weeks. A major priority in the NDP, in line with the Department's investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network, which includes funding for minor improvements; safety schemes, such as junction upgrades and road realignment; and paving renewal.”
“Once funding arrangements have been put in place with TII under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015, and in line with the national development plan, NDP, the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII. The Department is waiting for TII to present its budget for this year. The Estimates process has been completed. TII will ultimately deliver the national roads programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the national planning framework and the NDP. It is important to point out that a number of major national roads projects have already been delivered under the current NDP, including the N5 from Westport to Turlough and, in my county of Cork, the N22 from Ballyvourney to Macroom. The Senator articulated a number of significant improvements on the N59. Progress to date has been quite good.”
“Ar an gcéad dul síos, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Seanadóir Kyne as ucht na ceiste agus an ráitis seo mar gheall ar thábhacht an bhóthair N59, go háirithe an sliocht idir Bun an Choill agus Claremount, Uachtar Ard. Go n-éirí leis as ucht na hoibre. Bhí sé an-tábhachtach sa tionscadal a bhí an Roinn Iompair ag déanamh mar gheall ar an obair atá déanta. I thank the Senator for his work, advocacy, tireless campaigning and delivery of significant improvements in respect of the N59. It is fair to say that without him, those improvements would never have happened. He is right. This is a very important matter relating to the quality of life of people who rely on the N59. The Minister for Transport has responsibility for the overall policy relating to and the Exchequer funding for the national roads programme.”
“Moreover, the NDP will be reviewed around 2028 and updated at that point, and this will also provide an opportunity to examine the potential to provide additional funding. I take Deputy Farrelly's point on the acceleration of projects and he made a good point on the population growth. To be fair to the Government, there has been significant investment in infrastructure and it reflects well on us. I will take back the point on notification of the public consultation. The acceleration of projects with regard to DART+ South West is a good news story and I thank Deputy Farrelly for raising the matter tonight. I thank the staff for being here this late, and I thank An Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for chairing the House at this late hour of the night. I wish the staff a safe journey home and if they are on public transport, all the better again.”
“As the roll-out of the new DART+ fleet, which has started to undergo safety testing, progresses from 2027 onwards, it will allow the cascade of existing trains to serve new areas of the Irish rail network. The redeployment of this fleet is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority to decide on, based on a range of factors. There is potential for some of this fleet to be deployed on the DART+ South West line to add capacity in advance of infrastructure upgrades. As I said earlier, the Department will also explore any EU funding which may become available to accelerate public transport projects. The public transport offering has transformed the whole Maynooth area since my days in college.”
“In addition, the railway order for DART+ South West was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. As I stated earlier, the national development plan sectoral investment plan for transport, which was published by the Department of Transport in November last year, will enable advancement of various elements of the DART+ programme in the coming years, including DART+ West. This funding will also allow for compulsory purchase orders to progress for DART+ South West this year, and will provide for procurement progress for the project, with some of the framework contracts being established in common for DART+ West and DART+ South West.”
“I went to college in Maynooth, and Deputy Joe Neville has been on to me, as has Deputy Farrelly in the past, to be fair. Again, on behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank Deputy Farrelly for raising this matter. This is a very important issue and I am familiar with the Kilcock issue, which Deputy Farrelly has spoken about. I do not have a definitive answer on the public consultation but I will ask officials to liaise with Deputy Farrelly on it. I will recap the developments in the DART+ South West project. It will provide an extension of DART train services from the city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge. Procurement for DART+ South West and DART+ West is progressing, with pre-qualification questionnaires for design and build advertised in May 2025.”
“The new station at Spencer Dock, to be introduced as part of DART+ West, is a key node for future service integration, supporting the operational flexibility required for DART+ South West train services, helping to address capacity issues around Connolly Station. In accordance with the Government commitment on the delivery of major capital projects, the Department will also explore any EU funding which may become available to accelerate public transport projects. Moreover, the NDP will be reviewed around 2028 and updated at that point, and this will also provide an opportunity to examine the potential to provide additional funding to accelerate the delivery of projects such as DART+ South West.”
“The new depot in the Maynooth and Kilcock area, to be delivered as part of DART+ West, will provide essential stabling and maintenance facilities for the expanded fleet for the entire DART+ programme, which is a prerequisite for supporting service patterns across the entire DART+ network, including DART+ South West. DART+ West will deliver the critical electrification of the city centre rail network and the necessary city centre capacity upgrades. This is a prerequisite for future trains coming from DART+ South West to enter the city centre network at Glasnevin junction from the Phoenix Park tunnel. Upgrades delivered under DART+ West, such as re-signalling and electrification, are also vital for accommodating the increased frequency envisaged for DART+ South West.”
“The funding under the NDP transport sectoral investment plan will see significant advancements made in a number of public transport projects by 2030, including advancing various elements of the DART+ programme. The compulsory purchase obligation processes for DART+ South West will commence this year and aspects of the procurement frameworks put in place for DART+ West will be available for use on DART+ South West when its main construction works commence. It is important to state that, following on from the investment in the new DART+ fleet, DART+ West was also recognised as the critical step in the DART+ programme that will help enable DART+ South West and, indeed, the other infrastructure projects of the programme, to develop for a number of reasons.”
“This funding is allocated broadly in line with the Department’s national investment framework for transport in Ireland, NIFTI, intervention hierarchy of maintain, optimise, improve and new. The approach involves prioritising investment in the protection and renewal of existing assets before investing in new ones on economic and environmental grounds. This represents an unprecedented level of investment in public transport infrastructure over the coming five years, which has more than doubled in comparison with the last five-year period under the previous NDP. However, it is a simple fact that within any funding envelope - no matter how big - there are decisions required in relation to sequencing and prioritisation. Those are the decisions that come with the responsibilities of being in government.”
“An Coimisiún Pleanála approved a railway order for DART+ South West in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and DART+ West is progressing, with pre-qualification questionnaire notices for design and build works advertised in May last year. The Government is committed to the delivery of major public transport projects. That commitment is evidenced by last year’s review of the national development plan, in which a total of €24.3 billion in Exchequer funding was allocated in respect of transport projects for the period 2026 to 2030. Of this total allocation, Exchequer funding of circa €10 billion for public transport infrastructure is earmarked for this period in addition to the €2 billion allocated for MetroLink.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter. He has been consistent in raising matters relating to public transport in the House. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Transport. The DART+ programme comprises five different rail projects in and around the greater Dublin area, extending the existing DART network to Maynooth, M3 Parkway, Hazelhatch and Celbridge and Drogheda and improving current DART services from Dublin city to Greystones. The programme will triple the length of the electrified rail network in the Dublin area and double city centre peak hour capacity from 26,000 passengers per direction to 52,000 in future. DART+ South West will extend DART train services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge station, including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston station.”
“We as a Government and a Department are strongly committed to enhancing our Local Link services, as I know the Deputy is. She has been a champion for that for the 12 months I have got to know her and I hope we can work together to deliver further for the people of Mayo.”
“The Deputy is right that it is about boxing clever and TFI Anseo is a success. I fundamentally agree with her. She mentioned Knockrooskey. It is about that joined-up approach in terms of the local authority with footpaths, the NTA and Bus Éireann. What I would like us to do further as a Department is better linkage in terms of more accessibility and highlighting what the Deputy referenced in terms of the child who wants to do swimming lessons being able to get on a bus, the footpath, the lighting, and having a bus stop on the road. That comes down to an holistic approach by the NTA, the Department, local authorities, local communities and the local bus service providers to make sure that we are more accessible and resilient. People are voting with their feet.”
“I am fully committed, along with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to ensuring that map has connectivity all the way around.”
“The map paints a very good picture and I accept there are challenges. There are the provisions we have to bring and we want to see a further enhancement of the service. As I said earlier to Deputy Whitmore and I will say again now, we await the NTA service plan. As the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, said to Deputy Carthy in terms of road funding, we will listen to all requests. We have a finite budget, as the Deputy will appreciate, but with the NTA, we will work to ensure we continue to invest in our rural transport. In the Deputy’s own county of Mayo, we saw an increase in investment of 56% between 2023 and 2024 to more than €2 million, with passenger numbers increasing by 72%. As Minister of State, I will work with the Deputy to ensure we look at that map and see how we can fill the gaps in provision for the people the Deputy mentioned.”
“Since its launch last July, the pilot has seen encouraging passenger numbers, with a notable increase in repeat users highlighting the importance of the service as a transport link for residents in areas with limited transport options. In October 2025, the operating hours of the TFI Anseo in Achill were extended and it now operates from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to better meet the needs of the local community, providing more travel options for greater convenience and accessibility. In conclusion, my Department supports continued investment in rural transport in line with the commitment in the programme for Government to continue delivering on the fundamental and foundational public transport service produced under our flagship Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan.”
“These new routes offer connectivity to regional bus services in Castlebar station, Mayo University Hospital and to the villages located between Castlebar and Achill Island. I am pleased to share with Deputy Keogh that, last July, Ireland’s first ever smart demand responsive transport service was launched in Achill. This pilot marks a major milestone in rural mobility innovation and is a flagship initiative designed to revolutionise how rural communities connect and access public transport, and the service includes a flexible door-to-door app-based transport model, tailored to local needs, offering greater connections, convenience, accessibility and frequency.”
“I thank Deputy Keogh for raising the issue. As Minister of State in the Department of Transport with special responsibility for rural transport, with my colleagues, the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, we are, as I told Deputy Whitmore, investing considerably in services throughout the country under the NTA’s flagship Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan, supported by funding allocated by the Department of Transport. I thank the Deputy for being a constant advocate in her own county of Mayo for rural transport and connectivity. We have seen funding increase by 56% between 2023 and 2024, with passenger numbers increasing by 72%. A great example of this continued investment can be seen in the launch of routes 460a and 460b in September of last year.”
“As a Government, we are working to enhance and improve the offering to people. That is what we have been doing for the past five years. It is a success story. The results can be seen in the increase in the number of people using these services and the demand for them. We will work with the NTA to ensure these services are provided. As I said a second ago, the work is complete. The NTA is going through the budgetary process, which is deliberate. The NTA is before the Committee of Public Accounts today. The service plan is imminent and we will publish it in due course.”
“The real facts are that the plan is imminent. To put this in context, the budget was in December. The Department gave the NTA its allocation. To be fair to it, it is working through the process. This is the first week of January. The Deputy used the word "trust". Look at the Government's commitment in terms of its investment in rural transport. Some €84 million has been invested and there has been a 36% increase in the budget for this area this year. As a Government, we are committed to rural transport and want to see enhanced connectivity for people. The Local Link service has seen a 43% increase since 2025. Some €658.4 million has been invested. The Deputy speaks about trust. Trust the Government to invest in Local Link services and rural transport. We are doing that. I understand the frustration and annoyance of people.”
“It is about connectivity, a deliberate response from Government and a Government policy to have more people use public transport. Local Link services and the connectivity they provide have been a success story for the Department of Transport. We are working with the NTA on its service plan. When that is complete, we will announce the routes as a block. We are committed to the development of the service. We will have the date in due course.”
“I know Deputy Whitmore and Deputy Timmins have raised this before. We are engaging with the NTA. We are awaiting the service plan. As the Deputy will know, we do not announce routes in part. It is part of the whole national service plan. The Department has made a commitment. The NTA has advised us that the procurement process for Transport for Ireland route 199, Glendalough to Bray, is complete. We are awaiting the service plan. From our end, the Department has fully committed to the development of the route. The Deputy is right; it is about looking after the travelling public and commuters. We have seen that in a whole range of services in her own county. We have seen investment and increased passenger numbers. People are voting with their feet in using these services.”
“A strong example of this progress is the launch of the new Carnew to Baltinglass service last year, which includes evening services, improves access to key destinations and significantly enhances regional connectivity. Looking ahead, the Department's allocation for this year is firmly focused on advancing existing programmes and honouring commitments already made, including our commitment to the route the Deputy has referenced. We continue to work closely with the National Transport Authority as it finalises its 2026 service plan, ensuring that our commitments are met but also that decisions are strategic, evidence-based and responsive to the needs of communities nationwide. As I have said, we are awaiting a response from the NTA on the service plan for this year. When we get that, we will publish it.”
“This step change is already transforming services on the ground, particularly in County Wicklow. As a direct result, passenger numbers on Local Link's regular bus services have surged from 1.8 million to 4.7 million in just two years. Through the National Transport Authority and the 15 transport co-ordination units, the Local Link network now delivers a comprehensive mix of scheduled rural routes and flexible door-to-door services designed around the real everyday needs of local communities and real people. The impact is evident across a number of counties, particularly in Wicklow. In that two-year period, we saw a 46% increase in funding and a 61% rise in passenger numbers.”
“I thank Deputy Whitmore for raising issues of local transport in County Wicklow. As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for rural transport, I clearly reaffirm Government's commitment to strong and ongoing enhancement of our Local Link services right across rural Ireland, particularly in County Wicklow. Under the Programme for Government: Securing Ireland's Future, we are delivering on our promise to strengthen rural connectivity, ensuring villages, towns and cities are better linked, more accessible and more resilient. Crucially, this commitment is being backed by real and sustained investment. Funding for the rural transport programme has increased from €16 million in 2022 to over €25 million last year.”
“Please do. I encourage the Deputy to do so. If we do not take the experiences of the travelling public on board, then we cannot learn. There are mistakes and gaps. I would be the first to say that. I see it in my city of Cork. I am not living in an ivory tower. I use the bus in Cork. I recognise this when I meet people. Going back to the Deputies' fundamental point, it is crazy, in a world with the technology we have, that an app cannot have correct real-time information for members of the travelling public. That drives people daft. It increases the volume of emails to the Deputies and the levels of anger and frustration. I will bring this back to the Department.”
“I thank the Deputies for raising these matters. I will be happy to take the points they have made. I have taken note of the issues they have raised because it is about the travelling public.”