John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1097: To ask the Minister for Transport the funds or grants available to local authorities to assist in the provision of urban public transport bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28974/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not provide funds or grants to local authorities for the provision of transport services. Funding for loss making economically and socially necessary public transport services in urban areas is currently provided to CIE, which has a statutory mandate under various Transport Acts, to provide passenger services having regard to social need and the need to maintain public transport services within the financial resources available to it.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1099: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a public urban transport system in Castlebar and Ballina County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29013/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no function in this matter. It is open to any operator to apply for a licence to provide such a service.