404. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide the latest passenger number for each TFI Local Link service in Cork County for 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the percentage increase or decrease and plans to expand existing routes and introduce new routes for Cork County; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55653/26]

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.