O’Rourke critical of transport services ‘slowdown’

Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O'Rourke has called on the Government to prioritise investment in public bus services in Budget 2027, warning that communities in Meath are being affected by delays to planned route expansions and ongoing service failures.

Deputy O'Rourke said new information provided by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to him showed a significant slowdown in the rollout of the Connecting Ireland programme.

According to the figures, 65 new or enhanced bus services were introduced in 2023, falling to 45 in 2024, 36 in 2025 and just four projects so far this year.

He claimed the Government had failed to provide the NTA with sufficient funding to maintain the pace of expansion.

“The Government underfunded the NTA, ignored clear warnings and is now presiding over a slowdown in the most important bus transport programmes in the State,” he said.

Deputy O'Rourke said plans for a further 87 new services remain delayed, with the NTA warning that delivery will depend on future funding. He said completing the remaining programme would require at least €20 million annually before inflation and other costs are taken into account.

He argued that ministers had continued to promise improved public transport despite being aware of funding shortfalls, leaving many communities waiting for better services.

The Meath East TD also criticised what he described as misplaced spending priorities, pointing to the recent €50 million Irish Rail write-down while planned bus improvements remain unfunded.

Deputy O'Rourke said the Government must ensure both the Connecting Ireland programme and existing public transport services are prioritised in Budget 2027.