John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for public and commuter transport, Deputy Alan Kelly. An overall budget of €9.133 million has been allocated to the rural transport programme, RTP, for 2013. This is a small decrease on the 2012 allocation and it comes during a very difficult time financially. Cavan Rural Area Transport, CART, has been allocated €211,012 in RTP funding for 2013. In addition, €42,348 in free travel pass funding has been allocated by the Department of Social Protection. This represents a total allocation of €253,360 for the provision of RTP services in the Cavan area.

In its programme for Government, this Administration made a commitment to maintain and extend the RTP with other local transport services. The Government recognises that the RTP plays a major role in combatting rural isolation and enhancing the mobility, accessibility and community participation of local people, particularly those at risk of social exclusion.