Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Transport the level of funding available for the rural transport initiative following budget 2010. [47459/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to enhance in 2010 the rural transport option to areas not covered by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47715/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.

The provision for the Rural Transport Programme in 2010 is being maintained at €11 million in recognition of the important role it plays in combating social exclusion in rural Ireland, particularly for older people. Thirty-six rural community transport groups are being funded under the Programme which is 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.

In line with the commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government to explore the provision of a full-scale transport system in rural areas using the network expertise of Bus Éireann and the resources of the school and health transport systems, a number of initiatives are currently underway in the country exploring the potential for improved synergies between existing transport providers, including rural transport groups and voluntary organisations. These initiatives involve pilot transport projects in the North East and North West, an exercise to map all transport services in County Louth and a cross-border pilot rural community transport project under the auspices of the British/Irish Council. The outcome of these initiatives will feed into the process for developing rural transport policy into the future.