Trevor Sargent
Question:66 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress being made to implement rural transport services in areas around the country. [32025/01]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
The issue of rural public transport is one in which I have a particular interest and this is reflected in the national development plan which provides for a rural transport initiative. Increased funding for public transport projects in last Wednesday's budget includes 3.8 million, £3 million, for rural transport in 2002.
Last July I announced a rural transport initiative, the objective of which was to develop on a pilot basis community based public transport services in rural areas. The closing date for applications, which is being administered by Area Development Management, ADM, on behalf of my Department, was 17 September last. The proposals received have been assessed by ADM in line with the selection criteria and I will be announcing shortly the outcome of the selection process.
In addition, a new interdepartmental committee, chaired by an official of my Department, was established recently to bring forward recommendations for a comprehensive rural public transport policy. I expect to receive the committee's recommendations early in the new year and this will enable the Government to determine a new policy on public transport service provision in remote rural areas, building on the recent initiative.