Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason there was no provision for rural transport links or systems in the programme for Government in 2007; the action he will take regarding the poor transport provision in small towns and villages; and the support in place for older people who are unable to drive themselves. [26305/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government 2007-2012 contains a commitment that my Department will build on the success thus far of the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) and extend the Rural Transport Programme nationwide.

My Department is giving effect to this commitment through the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), launched in February 2007, which places the former pilot Rural Transport Initiative on a mainstreamed basis with significantly increased funding which in the current year is €11m, an increase of €2m on 2007. Under the Programme, thirty-four community transport groups around the country are being funded to address social exclusion in their rural areas arising from unmet public transport needs. Older people and people with disabilities form the core customer base of the RTP. Earlier this year I was delighted to announce increased funding for the Programme, which is providing for additional services together with expanded area coverage.

Pobal, which administers the RTP on behalf of the Department, has commenced a process to extend the Programme on a phased basis with a goal of achieving nation-wide coverage in due course in line with Government policy. It is planned that by end-2008, RTP Groups will be operational in every county and will be working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas. At present, County Louth is the only county without a scheme.

In addition, Bus Éireann and a number of private operators also provide transport services in rural areas.