553. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration has been given to the role a Transport for Ireland town bus service in Tullamore could play in improving connectivity with Tullamore train station, the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore, education campuses, employment centres and surrounding residential developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58178/26]

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 and monitoring 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.