19. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the funding allocated to the Rural Transport Programme and TFI Local Link for 2026; the proposed allocation for 2027; whether additional funding will be provided in Budget 2027 to expand rural public transport services in County Laois, particularly in areas where residents have limited access to public transport for employment, education, healthcare and essential services; and if he will engage with the National Transport Authority to identify gaps in rural transport provision and consider the introduction of additional demand-responsive and evening services. [67462/26]

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 the operations 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.