Tom Hayes
Question:37 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce new rural transport initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15798/04]
View answerThursday, 27 May 2004
Questions (66, 67)
Tom Hayes
Question:96 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if increased funds will be made available to sustain the pilot schemes for rural transport; his views on whether these schemes have proved very useful, especially for older rural dwellers; the way in which the Government can justify pulling the finance at this early stage of development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15809/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 96 together.
Area Development Management Ltd., ADM, administers the rural transport initiative, RTI, on behalf of my Department. Specific allocations for individual RTI projects are made by ADM from funds provided for this purpose by my Department and I have no function with regard to the individual allocations.
A sum of €3 million has already been provided for the RTI in each of the past two years and further funding of €3 million is being provided in 2004. This total of €9 million compares very favourably with the €4.4 million earmarked for the RTI under the national development plan. ADM is currently undertaking a comprehensive appraisal of the scheme. When the appraisal has been completed, I will then consider its findings and take whatever decisions are appropriate.