Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the development of public transport links in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28102/09]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the need to have a comprehensive public transport system in rural areas here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28101/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 447: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will review rural transport policy with the obligation of existing services to new areas or regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29493/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 50 and 447 together.

The provision of public transport services in rural areas is being progressed in the context of my Department's Rural Transport Programme and the Government's sustainable travel and transport plan Smarter Travel - A Sustainable Transport Future.

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.

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

Building on these achievements Smarter Travel, which I published in February 2009, provides the strategic framework for the further development of public transport services throughout the country.

The provision of public transport generally outside of the Greater Dublin Area will also be supported by a new legislative framework that will be promoted through the proposed Public Transport Regulation Bill. The Bill, the General Scheme of which was approved by Government in January 2009, will contain proposals for a new regime for the licensing of all commercial bus services, and for contracts for public transport services.

My Department is also supporting the Louth County Council Age Friendly Initiative by funding a study to map all transport services in the county, to assess age-related needs and to look at delivery models for a pilot scheme to provide a more comprehensive local transport service to complement nationally organised transport.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 30.

Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 50.