18. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the total funding provided to TFI Local Link Laois Offaly in each of the years 2023 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of routes and passenger journeys supported in each year; the additional funding sought for 2027 to expand services and address unmet demand in County Laois; and whether a review of existing routes and service frequency is planned in consultation with local communities and Laois county council. [67463/26]

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.