Written answers
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Department of Transport
Rural Transport Services
11:00 pm
Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce new rural transport initiatives with particular reference to the threat to many rural bus routes which will leave many rural communities isolated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26730/09]
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Thirty seven rural community transport groups are being funded under my Department's Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which is now operational in every county. These groups are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources. Arrangements for the provision of services funded under the Programme are matters for individual rural community transport groups. Local communities know best where the transport needs are in their rural areas and how best to address those needs.
Funding of €11 million is being provided by my Department for the RTP in 2009, an increase of Euro 1 million on the provision for 2008. Funding for the Programme in 2010 and subsequent years will be considered in the course of the Estimates process, having regard to the overall availability of resources.
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