We have made considerable strides in improving the public transport network in rural County Cork through the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan. We have seen successful roll-out of bus services from Mallow to Fermoy, Charleville to Mallow, Mallow to Mitchelstown, Killarney to Macroom and the latest one, the 243 bus service from Newmarket to Cork. Today I am inquiring about the roll-out of the Mallow to Killarney service which will service villages like Ballydaly, Cecilstown, Ballyhass, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue, Knocknagree and Rathmore. I believe TII is working with the Department on the roll-out in this quarter. I would appreciate an update.

The rural transport scheme has played a really important role in connectivity between our towns and villages. The note I have here indicates that in 2024 passenger numbers went up to 5.8 million, which is great. It is so important we have a local transport service that directly links up the towns and villages in our country. Cork has been a big beneficiary of this. There has been a 50% increase in the passenger numbers on rural bus services in Cork with 230,000 journeys recorded last year.

The specific route mentioned by the Deputy is being considered at the moment. I will make sure the Minister for transport is aware of what he raised.