I acknowledge the consultation process on rural future policy. I raise the delay in funding for vital Local Link services in rural Waterford, particularly affecting Portlaw, Kilmacthomas, Mahon Bridge and Lemybrien. These services were expected under the National Transport Authority’s “Connecting Ireland” plan to be properly funded. However, communities in Waterford are now being told they may have to wait until 2027. This is a major setback for rural Waterford and communities which have waited long enough for proper public transport. My colleague, an Teachta Conor McGuinness, spoke earlier about the simmering anger in rural Ireland because of the dependency on the car. We do not have public transport, we have rising fuel costs, a Government that is not doing enough and these types of setbacks with Local Link services not being properly funded. My colleague, Councillor Catherine Burke, has been very clear on this and has described this delay as a major set back for Waterford and the Comeragh district in particular. She is right. This is not a minor inconvenience. It is about whether people can get to work, students can get to education, older people can remain connected and whether those without access to a car can attend medical appointments or reach basic services. I imagine the Minister agrees Local Link is a lifeline. In rural communities, public transport is not simply about convenience. It is about equality, independence, inclusion and ensuring people living in villages and rural communities and areas are not cut off because they do not drive or cannot afford a car, or no longer feel able to drive. We cannot speak in this House about balanced regional development, climate action, reducing car dependency and tackling rural isolation while at the same time allowing essential rural transport projects to slip to 2027. Waterford needs these services now. People of Portlaw, Kilmacthomas, Mahon Bridge, Lemybrien and, I imagine, many more rural communities in Waterford, across the south east and across the State deserve certainty and not delay. I support the call of my colleague, Councillor Catherine Burke, for Waterford City and County Council and, indeed, the Comeragh district to write to the National Transport Authority to lobby the Minister for Transport. I am appealing to the Minister to do what he can to raise these issues with the relevant Ministers to make sure those rural communities in Waterford get the Local Link services they deserve.

Sentiment score: 0.05