495. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on plans under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan to improve public transport services in Ardclough, County Kildare; the current status and anticipated timeline for the proposed route linking Celbridge to Naas General Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57039/26]

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.