“Rural transport matters” because communities thrive when people can reach jobs, education, healthcare and social opportunities, according to National Transport Authority CEO, Anne Shaw.
Ms Shaw was speaking in Kilkenny at the ‘Europe’s Rural Mobility Future’ conference. The conference was hosted by the European Rural Mobility Network and chaired by Ireland South MEP, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.
Transport supports communities
Ms Shaw said: “Communities thrive when businesses can attract customers and employees. They thrive when young people can see a future for themselves locally and when older people can remain active, independent and connected to their communities.
Transport matters because it enables all of those other things. Good transport links support stronger communities, greater inclusion and a better quality of life.”
Connecting Ireland 2025 review
“Today is a particularly appropriate day to be having this discussion because this morning the NTA is publishing the Connecting Ireland 2025 Review, and the results are encouraging.
11 million passenger journeys
“In 2025 alone, more than 11 million passenger journeys were made on Connecting Ireland services. Since 2019, patronage on these services has increased by 225%, demonstrating the very real demand that exists for public transport in rural Ireland when services are available, reliable and accessible.
During 2025, we introduced or enhanced 36 services across the country, including 10 entirely new routes. These improvements connected an additional 31 towns and villages to the public transport network and improved access to public transport for approximately 206,000 people.
Taken together, these figures tell an important story. They tell us that when we provide services, people use them, that rural communities want better connectivity. And they tell us that public transport can play a central role in supporting vibrant and sustainable rural communities.”
Progress through collaboration & listening to communities
“The experience of Connecting Ireland has demonstrated that progress is possible, and it has shown that when communities, local authorities, operators and policymakers work together, meaningful change can be achieved.
That partnership is critically important. The future of rural mobility cannot be delivered by transport authorities alone. It requires collaboration between national government, local authorities, transport operators, community organisations, researchers and policymakers.
Most importantly, it requires listening to the people who use these services and understanding the unique needs of the communities they serve.”