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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rural Transport Initiative.

Mary Wallace

Question:

458 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Transport the funding his Department provides at present under the rural transport initiative to County Meath; the number of people benefiting from the scheme in County Meath; the routes travelled by the scheme; his plans to promote, expand and develop the scheme in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18433/03]

The rural transport initiative – RTI – is being administered on behalf of my Department by Area Development Management – ADM. I understand from ADM that Meath accessible transport is one of the 34 rural transport schemes being funded under the RTI. It was awarded funding of €98,581 in 2002 and €117,274 in 2003 under the RTI.

While passenger numbers vary from month to month I am informed that over 300 passengers benefited from the scheme in County Meath in May last. Under the scheme, there are fixed and flexi – bus routes. The fixed route services operate between Athboy and Trim and between Navan and Kells. The flexi-bus routes serve Tierworker, Drumconrath, Ballincree, Athboy, Moylagh and Wilkinstown. In addition school bus services for children with disabilities are also provided in the Navan area. I understand that Meath accessible transport is currently planning the development of some new routes in the eastern part of the county.

As regard the further development of the RTI I have asked ADM for a report on the progress of the initiative to date and I await their report on the matter.

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