528. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the interim measures are planned by the National Transport Authority to address capacity pressures on bus routes serving western Galway, including Knocknacarra and Route 412, 411, 410 during peak house, prior to the introduction of the new BusConnects Galway network and fleet from 2027 onwards and accounting for these routes soon going to tender are there plans to increase frequency of these services during peak hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62930/26]

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.