Written answer
Bus Services
The NTA is assessing demand for a Tullamore town bus service; any 2027 consultation and funding remain subject to resources and priorities.
135. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress being made by the National Transport Authority towards a public consultation during the second half of 2027 for a potential new Tullamore town bus service. [67620/26]
Comment on this
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the importance of enhancing the passenger experience in rural and regional communities in Ireland. In the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continue the roll-out of Connecting Ireland and investment in new town services.
The National Transport Authority introduced the Town Bus Programme as a complementary initiative focussed on providing new and improved public transport accessibility within large towns, allowing better connections between residential areas to employment, healthcare, education, other transport connections. There are 11 Town Bus Service at present; Athlone, Balbriggan, Carlow, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dundalk, Kilkenny, Navan, Portlaoise, Sligo, Mullingar and plan to launch the next Town Bus Service for Ennis, County Clare. I am pleased to say that this much awaited new Town Bus Service in Ennis will be launched next month.
Turning to Tullamore, the NTA has advised my Department that they are assessing demand for new or enhanced bus services in Dundalk, Naas, Newbridge, Tralee, Wexford and Tullamore towns. Some of these towns have existing town bus services, which may have some gaps in service in terms of coverage and/or operating hours and days. Within its available resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational where feasible, taking account of funding, operational readiness and driver availability. Any funding for new or enhanced services in 2027 will be considered through the annual Estimates process, alongside competing funding requirements and broader public transport priorities.
Our commitment to public transport services in rural areas, including in county Offaly is being backed by real and sustained investment. Funding for the Rural Transport Programme has increased from €16 million in 2022 to over €31 million in 2026, which is a 38% increase on 2025.