Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1215: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to enhance the rural transport option with particular reference to areas not covered by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42882/06]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) was launched on a pilot basis in 2002. Under this scheme, thirty-four community transport groups throughout the country are being funded to address the particular transport needs of their rural areas. Pobal administers the scheme on behalf of my Department. The pilot phase of the Initiative concluded at the end of 2006 and in line with Government announcements in the matter, preparations are now being made to mainstream the provision of rural transport from 2007 onwards. In the meantime, existing groups continue to be funded. In line with commitments in Towards 2016 and in parallel with the implementation of Transport 21, Euro 9 million is being provided for the RTI in 2007. This funding will facilitate the transition of the RTI from the end of its pilot phase into the beginning of the mainstreaming process. In making specific allocations to the individual RTI project groups from this funding, I have asked Pobal to work closely with the existing groups to maximise the impact of the funding through, among other things, increased service provision and including areas not already served by the scheme. I hope to announce shortly the details of the mainstreaming of rural transport from 2007 onwards.