Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

As part of the review of rural transport and considering greater integration of rural transport across a range of areas, including education and health, we will consult the Departments. In that context I will bring the issues the Deputy mentioned to their attention, as well as many other issues. A wide range of issues are involved. I will meet the group referred to by the Deputy. I have taken on board the issues the Deputy mentioned relating to the provision of services, particularly late at night and at weekends, when there is a greater demand for them. We will be examining those issues and having discussions with various groups, including the vintners, in the near future. As a consequence, through the policies for integrated rural transport and the review of the taxi and hackney services throughout the country, I hope to contribute positively to the supply of services across rural areas with a continuation of many of the services in the RTP and also possibly through the provision of additional services in the taxi and hackney sectors, which will be changing in the coming years.

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