Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Transport if the rural transport programme has been expanded to wider social groups as recommended in the 2006 discussion paper Progressing Rural Public Transport in Ireland. [40028/08]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Transport if there are demand-responsive-type taxi systems operating in the rural transport programme. [40034/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the roll-out of the rural transport programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33557/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of car schemes operating under the rural transport programme across the State. [40032/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Transport the assistance that is being given to rural community transport schemes. [40031/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which he will consider extending the rural transport scheme, with particular reference to the need to facilitate those entitled to free travel but unable to access same due to lack of public transport; the number and location of such schemes already in operation; his proposals to use these as a template in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33564/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 127, 141, 146, 163 and 199 together.

Pobal administers the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) on behalf of my Department and is working with 37 individual rural transport groups around the country to expand it on a phased basis in response to local public transport service needs and having regard to the availability of resources.

While the provision of transport services for older people and people with disabilities is a core feature of the RTP, services operated under the Programme are open to the general public. The Free Travel Scheme of the Department of Social and Family Affairs has been extended to the RTP.

The bottom-up approach developed during the pilot Rural Transport Initiative (2002-2006) demonstrated that local people know best what transport services they need. My role, therefore, continues to be one of facilitator, helping local communities to address their transport needs through financial and administrative support, while communities themselves take the lead in clarifying their needs and developing co-ordinated transport services to fulfil those needs.

I understand that the transport modes utilised by the individual RTP groups vary in accordance with the needs that they are trying to address and can include mini-buses, taxis and private cars. In the latter case, I am advised that RTP funded car schemes are operational in Counties Sligo and Leitrim and that such schemes are being contemplated elsewhere.

The RTP is being expanded on a phased basis in consultation with individual RTP groups, with a goal of achieving nationwide 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. A total of €11m is being provided for the programme in 2009.