Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2305. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the future development of the rural transport network; the way in which the potential of the network can be further realised in conjunction with the LocalLink operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35340/18]
View answer2306. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the implications of a proposed tender process for rural transport routes on the future development of the network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35341/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2305 and 2306 together.
I am fully committed to the continuing development of the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the "Local Link" brand and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In Budget 2018 I secured an increase in funding for Local Link bringing the total allocation for this year to €14.9 million. This builds on increased funding provided to Local Link in 2016 and 2017 which has seen total funding grow from €10.7m in 2015. It is my intention to continue to seek additional funding for Local Link services as part of the budgetary process.
The increased level of funding over the last 3 years has facilitated the development of 50 new services. Twenty-one new regular commuter services operating 5/6/7 days per week were introduced across the network in 2016 following considerable development work by Local Link Offices and the NTA. More of this type of network development took place in 2017 to enhance both Demand Responsive and Scheduled services with a further 27 new routes developed. An additional 2 new scheduled services were introduced in May 2018. Key features of these developments include greater integration with existing public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages.
This year has also seen the introduction of a 6 month pilot of evening and late night services in rural areas, which the Deputy will be familiar with. I officially launched these new services in Listowel last month, and they will run, throughout the Local Link network, to the end of the year.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding Local Link services, including the procurement of Transport Co-ordination Units (Local Link Offices), I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for further response to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
