579. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the complete list of public transport services that receive public funding through the provision of PSO support in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63244/26]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport services, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government.

In this context, we secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025. This allocation ensures that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs. The allocation has also allowed for the continued delivery of targeted fare initiatives, including the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19–25, as part of the NTA’s National Fares Strategy.

The 2026 PSO allocation prioritises the advancement of ongoing programmes and commitments in line with operational readiness and resource availability.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.