Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 640: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the national integrated rural transport scheme; when information on it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28333/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I established the National Integrated Rural Transport Committee (NIRTC) last April to oversee and manage a partnership approach to implementing integrated local and rural transport. The Committee which is chaired by the National Transport Authority, is drawn from organisations representing key stakeholders inlcuding rural transport groups, the HSE, Pobal, Local Authorities, Bus Éireann and policy makers from relevant Departments.

Since its establishment the Committee has been meeting monthly to ensure momentum is maintained in addressing the many complexities associated with local and rural transport service provision. The structure of RTP Groups, the nature of local and RTP operations and the extent of HSE and school transport services varies across different areas. Consequently, the NIRTC has established sub-groups to examine the four key areas of health related transport services, school transport services, logistics e.g. trip-booking systems, ticketing, information, and appropriate structures to support integration. The sub-groups are, where appropriate, involving other stakeholders in their work and are seeking input from relevant sources.

A key aspect of the work of the sub-groups will be to identify constraints or high level impediements to integrated local and rural transport, along with recommendations on how these should be managed or overcome.

The output from the sub-groups will also inform the design of the model areas which are to be developed. These model areas will, with an evidence based approach, test how integrated local and rural transport services can best operate to achieve greater synergies, better meet identified transport needs and deliver increased value for money for the Exchequer.

This new approach which is endorsed by Government is the first time that a national focus and coherence has been brought to the delivery of an integrated rural transport service. This reflects the importance that the Government attaches to the contribution that a carefully designed and efficient rural transport service based on local needs, will make to overcoming social exclusion in rural areas.