Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the rural transport initiative in view of current weather conditions and the importance of this initiative in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46044/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Thirty-six rural community transport groups are being funded under my Department's Rural Transport Programme (RTP), which is operational in every county and plays an important role in combating rural isolation. These groups are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources. The provision of services under the RTP is a matter for the individual rural transport groups. Local communities know where the transport needs are in their areas and how best to address them. My Department's role is one of facilitator through financial and administrative support, but communities themselves have the lead role in developing the transport services to fulfill these needs.