The operator of one of the country’s most successful LocalLink transport providers is fearful for its survival, despite expecting to double his business within three years.

There has been a broad welcome to government plans to expand rural bus services, including night-time buses, although Michael Healy-Rae TD has pointed out that the scheme was “not adequate”.

There are plans to expand the Local Link bus network to include a new night service.

Rural communities are to receive extra funding for CCTV and text alert schemes to help tackle the scourge of crime.