Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 134 and 413 together.

The rural transport programme, RTP, administered on behalf of my Department by Pobal, put the pilot Rural Transport Initiative 2002-2006 on a permanent basis from February 2007. Reflecting the Government's intent for the programmed development of rural transport, Towards 2016 provides for increases in the annual RTP allocation over time to about €18 million and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 commits €90 million to the programme over its full term.

My Department provided €4.5 million for the pilot rural transport initiative in 2005 and €5.1million in 2006. In 2007 €9 million was provided for the new rural transport programme and €11 million is being provided for the programme in 2008. This additional funding is delivering greater frequency of existing services, much wider geographical coverage, and additional groups of passengers accessing rural transport.

Funding is also available to the RTP from the Department of Social and Family Affairs in respect of the free travel scheme. I understand that €750,000 was made available to the RTP in 2005, €850,000 in 2006 and €1.5 million in 2007. I am informed that the 2008 allocation is €1.5 million.

I understand from the Department of Community, Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs that its night-time rural transport scheme, which is also administered by Pobal, was set up in May 2007 on a pilot basis for one year. However, the scheme has now been extended to end 2008 at which stage it will be reviewed. I am informed that the initial commitment for the pilot year was €500,000 and that a further €360,000 has now been committed. The local groups involved with the night-time scheme are also rural transport programme groups. Their involvement, together with Pobal's, in both schemes ensure an integrated approach in areas where the two schemes are operating.

Preparations for a pilot cross-Border rural community transport exercise in counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Cavan under the auspices of the North-South Ministerial Council are progressing with a view to commencing the pilot service towards end 2008.

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