Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce new rural transport initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11017/04]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Transport if increased funds will be made available to sustain the pilot schemes for rural transport; his views on whether these schemes have proved very useful, especially for older rural dwellers; if the Government can justify pulling the finance at this early stage of development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7602/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 124 together.

Under the rural transport initiative 34 rural community groups are currently being financed to operate pilot rural transport services in their areas. Area Development Management Limited administers the initiative on behalf of my Department.

Some 2,500 transport services are currently being provided on approximately 380 new rural routes established under the initiative and 20,000 people are using the RTI transport services every month. The RTI is now operational in almost all counties and the free travel scheme of the Department of Social and Family Affairs was extended to the RTI in 2003.

There has been no reduction in the funding for the RTI. While the national development plan proposed that €4.4 million be committed for the initiative in the period up to 2006, some €6 million has already been spent on it in the two year period up to end 2003 and a further €3 million is earmarked for it this year.

While there is every indication that the RTI has so far been a success, ADM has commissioned a full appraisal to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of the RTI in addressing the transport needs of rural Ireland. This appraisal is due to be completed by the summer.

When the appraisal has been completed, I will consider the findings and take whatever decisions are appropriate with regard to the rural transport initiative.