Public Transport
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-29
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Jerry Buttimer (FG), Cork South-Central

Deputy Dolan makes a compelling case. The Deputy can be assured that I, the Department of Transport, the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, are all strongly committed to providing all regions and citizens with reliable and suitable mobility options. Public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. I live in Cork where we have an ambitious plan. It has been successful. Cork, Mallow, Cobh and Midleton are beyond recognition from where they were ten years ago. The Deputy made a key point. The key point for us is that in the budget, we secured €940 million in funding for PSO and TFI Local Link services. A significant uplift of 43% has been seen, which is important.
The Deputy is correct that the works in Ceannt Station have been transformative, but it is that piece about connectivity. The Government is fully supportive to continue to invest in public transport, particularly in Athenry. In the programme for Government, we are committed to a variety of changes and ways of making public transport more accessible and sustainable for the future.
This service is a matter for the NTA. As I said, it is carrying out a review. It is important we communicate with the NTA in this regard. I accept that. I am happy to do so with or on behalf of the Deputy, along with the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney. We have seen a transformation in the provision of public services in the Galway area. That is a credit to the Government but also to Iarnród Éireann. We should also show our appreciation to the travelling public who have had to endure a lot of hassle and hardship in that period. The Deputy’s point is well made. I am certainly happy to commit to engage with the NTA in support of the continuation of this service.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-29/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-29