Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2010
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Rural Transport Services.
124 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the future direction he sees for the rural transport programme in relation to international best practice on the concept for all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13505/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra125 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the rural transport programme will continue beyond 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13506/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question No 71 on 24th March 2010.
126 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the reduction of services in rural areas by Bus Éireann, he proposes that the public service obligations funding involved will be diverted from Bus Éireann to the rural transport programme in order that alternative services will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13507/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1st December 2009, the imposition of public service obligations in the provision of bus services is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Oireachtas Liaison Officer for the NTA is Mr. Matt Benville, The National Transport Authority, 59 Dawson St., Dublin 2. Regarding funding for rural transport, the provision for the Rural Transport Programme in 2010 is being maintained at €11million, reflecting the Government's continued commitment to the programme, which plays an important role in combating social exclusion in rural Ireland.
