I am seeking clarity on the commencement date for the newly approved Local Link bus service, the 515, connecting Mallow to Killarney, which serves the villages of Ballyclogh, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue and Knocknagree in my own constituency of Cork North-West. This route is not just a line on a map; it is a vital lifeline for rural communities. People in these areas have faced limited public transport options, impacting access to education, employment, healthcare and social activities. The approval of this service was very warmly welcomed locally when it was announced in November 2025 and there is strong expectation it will be delivered without delay in 2026. Reliable and accessible rural transport is essential if we are serious about balanced regional development and tackling rural isolation. This service has the potential to significantly improve connectivity across Cork North-West and into Kerry. The communities I represent are ready for this service. They now need certainty on when it will begin.

I thank Deputy O'Shea for raising this issue with me and with the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, here who has responsibility for rural transport as well. I am pleased to see the investment in rural transport in Cork increased by 46% between 2024 and 2025 to more than €7.2 million. To the Deputy's point about Cork, passenger numbers on the rural routes are increasing by 95% so there is clear demand for this as well. I thank the Deputy particularly for raising the proposed new bus route 515 under the Connecting Ireland rural mobility programme. I know this is something the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, is very supportive of as well. It would serve a number of villages the Deputy has outlined in Cork North-West. The NTA tells me it is planning the advancement of these routes but has not yet given me a date for implementation. On foot of the Deputy raising the matter here, the Minister of State will come back to him directly.