Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2015
263. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of increasing funding for the rural transport programme by 15%, and of expanding the service to areas currently neglected, or under-serviced, by ensuring at least once-daily services are in operation in all rural areas. [40961/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP). I am pleased to say that as part of Budget 2016 current funding from my Department to the RTP is being increased to €11.556 million from €10.046 million this year, an increase of 15%.
Responsibility for the management of the RTP was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1st April 2012, including responsibility for service provision. I have therefore forwarded your question to the NTA for further response to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
