519. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport further to previous correspondence regarding the route 275 service between Dingle and Tralee, if the NTA will examine the feasibility of allowing the bus which is understood to depart Dingle at approximately 11 p.m. and travel towards Tralee while out of service to carry passengers; and if consideration will be given to the transport needs of healthcare workers, hospitality workers and other late-shift workers, as well as residents and visitors in Dingle and surrounding communities (details supplied). [62858/26]

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. 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.