Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 631: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department will provide funding to a group (details supplied) in County Meath to employ a dedicated driver and an assistant or helper for their community bus that was part funded by a National Lottery grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20500/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Rural transport projects may be undertaken under the Rural Social Scheme provided that they are community based, that they do not compete with the existing Rural Transport Programme (administered by the Department of Transport) and that all other conditions are fulfilled. In this context, community groups may submit work projects, that are compatible with the objectives of the Scheme, to their local LEADER group who implement the Scheme on the Department's behalf. In County Meath, the Meath Community Partnership Company Ltd administers the Scheme.

The group in question should also note that it is expected that the Community Services Programme, also operated by my Department, will be making a call for applications at the end of this year and it would be open to them to submit an application at that time.

Finallly, the Deputy should note that under the Evening Rural Transport Scheme operated by my Department, seven rural transport projects are being supported throughout the country. Services under the Scheme commenced on a gradual basis throughout the summer and service numbers and passenger numbers are expected to increase throughout the Autumn. This Scheme is additional to the existing Rural Transport Programme.