338. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the measures being considered by his Department to improve public transport connectivity for growing towns and rural communities in County Galway; the way in which current transport policy is addressing increased commuter demand from areas surrounding Galway City; and the plans in place to encourage greater use of public transport during the working week and reduce reliance on cars. [65620/26]

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.