Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 220: To ask the Minister for Transport when it is proposed to provide transport under the rural transport initiative for places such as Monivea, Athenry, Tuam, Loughrea, Mountbellew, Ballygar and other towns and villages in north Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13320/07]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I recently announced the arrangements for a new Rural Transport Programme (RTP). This new Programme builds on the success of the pilot Rural Transport Initiative (2000-2006) and puts it on a permanent mainstreamed basis. Thirty-four community transport groups throughout the country are currently being funded under the RTP to address the particular transport needs of their rural areas. Two of these groups — Bealach and the South East Galway RTI — are operational in County Galway.

Pobal, which administers the Rural Transport Programme on behalf of my Department, will work closely with the existing groups to maximise the impact of the increased funding through, among other things, increased service provision and wider area coverage as well as ensuring continued value for money.

The bottom-up approach in the pilot phase of the RTI demonstrated the effectiveness of the community and voluntary initiative and involvement in the provision of rural transport services. The new Rural Transport Programme will build on that concept. Consequently, the main drivers of community rural transport will be the local communities themselves. Therefore, existing rural transport groups proposing to expand their services or local community groups considering setting up of a new scheme should make contact with Pobal at Holbrook House, Holles Street, Dublin 2 (www.pobal.ie).