Vol. 563 No. 1
148 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to implement the commitment in the programme for Government that every county has a comprehensive rural transport initiative in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7122/03]
181 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce new rural transport initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7165/03]
185 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport his Department's plans for the rural transport initiative; the proposed outline budget for this scheme over the next three years; and the reason funds for the scheme were cut in recent weeks. [7139/03]
460 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the RTI interdepartmental report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6915/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 181, 185 and 460 together.
The rural transport initiative provides funding for voluntary and community organisations and community partnerships to address the transport needs of their rural areas. The initiative is being managed by Area Development Management Limited on behalf of my Department.
Under the RTI, 34 rural community transport groups are being funded to provide transport services in their areas. The scheme is operational in parts of all counties with the exception of Louth which did not apply for funding.
There have been no cuts in recent weeks by my Department in respect of funding for the RTI. It is anticipated that some €6 million will have been provided for this pilot initiative by the end of this year. This compares with the €4.4 million earmarked in the national development plan.
As to future arrangements for rural public transport, I have received a report from an interdepartmental committee which examined options for the development of a rural public transport policy. I am now considering its findings and recommendations and I will bring forward proposals for rural transport later this year in respect of future years.
