John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 471: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the effect that a cut-back in Government funding for the rural transport initiative programme will have on the population of isolated rural areas and the fact that many older people will be cut off from society as a result of this cut-back; if he will provide assurances that funding for the RTI programme will not be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11808/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Last February, I was delighted to announce an additional Euro 2 million for the RTP in 2008, bringing the total allocation for the Programme this year to Euro 11 million. The increased funding will provide for additional services under the Programme together with expanded area coverage.

The Government's continued commitment to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) is reflected in Towards 2016 which includes phased increases in the annual RTP allocation over time to about Euro 18 million. In addition, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 — Transforming Ireland, commits some Euro 90 million to the Programme over its full term.