198. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the NTA to examine the feasibility of establishing a dedicated shuttle bus service along the emerging preferred route for the proposed Navan rail line, serving Navan, Kilmessan and Dunshaughlin and connecting passengers with the existing rail services at M3 Parkway-Dunboyne; and if consideration will be given to operating such a service as an interim public transport measure pending the delivery of the Navan rail line, with timetables coordinated with train departures and arrivals to facilitate commuting to and from Dublin. [67573/26]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area. In the case of the DART+ programme, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.

With regard to the Deputy's specific questions regarding the establishment of a dedicated shuttle bus service along the proposed Navan rail line this is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.