Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the financial or other assistance given to rural community transport projects in County Kildare in areas not served by public transport in order to meet the needs of those entitled to free travel; his proposals in this regard for the remainder of 2008 and in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33839/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and location or community and rural transport schemes currently supported by his Department; his proposals for further development in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33849/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 340 together.

On the 30th of April 2007 I announced details of a night-time rural transport scheme to be run on a pilot basis, in 7 areas around the country.

The 34 groups currently delivering the Rural Transport Programme operated by the Department of Transport, were invited to submit applications. Following the appraisal of the proposals submitted, seven groups were selected to run the pilot Scheme, namely:

West Cork Rural Transport;

Avondhu Development Group in East Cork;

Meath Accessible/Kilnaleck Community Cavan;

County Sligo LEADER Partnership;

Tumna Shannon Development Company Roscommon;

Síob Teoranta Donegal; and

Laois Trip.

The Rural Transport Night Scheme, however, does not operate in County Kildare. It is my intention that the pilot scheme will be reviewed towards the end of 2008 and decisions in relation to its future will be informed by the outcome of the evaluation.

In addition the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), which has become a key part of many rural communities throughout Ireland provides resources to maintain and improve local amenities and to generate important social inclusion benefits to community members such as supporting rural transport schemes. The following list indicates the number and location of such transport services in 2007.