506. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if a proposal (details supplied) is being currently considered or will be considered in the future; the plans to improve public transport in Gortalea Cross and across Kerry and other rural areas more generally; the type of evidence needed to demonstrate sufficient demand and need in the area to justify the introduction of this service; if there are general guidelines which direct the implementation of new and enhanced services or if they are selected on a case-by-case basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter, [62510/26]

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.