We have a real problem in Athenry with capacity on public transport services to Galway. The NTA and Iarnród Éireann have stated that there is no funding in place to maintain the 6.50 a.m. train to Galway beyond August of this year. This is a vital service for those who have work commitments early in the morning in the city. It has been 18 months since the previous bus service to Galway ended and since the NTA approved the public service obligation, PSO, for a replacement service but the NTA is saying it does not have funding in place from the Department to establish this service either. I cannot stress enough the frustration the current transport situation in Athenry is causing for commuters. Rail services are dangerously overcrowded. More than 1,300 people have signed my petition to maintain the 6.50 a.m. service and establish a new bus service.

We need more services, not cuts. The Government speaks constantly about sustainable transport and getting people out of cars, but my constituents are being denied viable alternatives. Will the Taoiseach commit to ensuring that the funding is provided for these services?

I thank the Deputy, but just before I respond, I want to welcome the group from Laois, Mountmellick and Portarlington who are in the Public Gallery, accompanied by Deputy Fleming. They are very welcome to Leinster House.

In terms of the train service from Athenry and the budgetary situation, Deputy Dolan has spoken to me about that as well. We are engaging with the Minister for Transport. That service is working and has worked very effectively. In terms of additional services, there has been substantial expansion of public transport and rail services, but we do need more. We are continuing, through the national development plan, to provide for the expansion of public transport more generally and particularly with a focus on Galway. There have been some good planning decisions in Galway that have come through An Coimisiún Pleanála with the ring road and, indeed, the port and other developments as well.