Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Transport if it is a part of his Department's transport strategy to introduce train station feeder buses in order that train users may access services without the use of private cars; if so, when this will occur; the investment that will be made in same; if it is part of his Department's transport strategy that intra county bus services will be introduced to link towns via public transport and provide an alternative to private car use; if he will continue to support a strategy of pay parking at commuter train stations where those wishing to use train services have no other means of travelling to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12725/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Feeder bus services to/from, and car parking facilities at, commuter rail stations are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann and bus operators. I agree that feeder bus services are important in optimizing the use of the train service and understand that Iarnród Éireann and bus operators seek to develop such services where feasible. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that feeder bus services are in operation at various stations throughout the network including, for example, at Sallins for Naas. The recently opened Docklands station is served by a city centre feeder bus operated by Dublin Bus, Dublin Bus also operate services that connect to other stations on the DART/Commuter lines.

The position in relation to intra-county bus services is that Bus Éireann and private bus operators currently provide an extensive network of bus services throughout the country linking provincial cities, towns and villages. Transport 21 recognises the critical importance of bus services generally, including provincial bus services, as part of an integrated transport system. In this context I approved funding of €50 million in September 2006 for the purchase by Bus Éireann of 160 new buses for deployment throughout the country.

The Rural Transport Programme has also been extended. This provides local transport for those living outside major population centres to towns throughout the country.

Decisions in relation to parking charges for the use of Iarnród Éireann car parks at railway stations are a matter for Iarnród Éireann having regard to the location of the car park, the demand for places, and, other factors, such as the need to ensure that the facility is reserved for different categories of rail users.