Rural Transport Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 February 2018

Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Ceisteanna (565)

John Deasy

Ceist:

565. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the concerns among operators regarding the proposed transfer of local link services provided under the rural transport scheme from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to his Department; the progress that has been made in implementing this recommendation from the 2017 report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on sustaining viable rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5518/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

Local Link services provide an invaluable support to rural dwellers, allowing them in many instances to travel to work, shop, socialise, attend appointments and to access their local towns and villages. The service is of particular benefit to vulnerable groups such as the elderly.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport provides funding for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) through the National Transport Authority which has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the RTP. The RTP now operates under the 'Local Link' brand.

I acknowledge the recommendation made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in its 2017 report on Sustaining Viable Rural Communities in relation to transferring responsibility for the RTP to my Department. However, I can confirm that there are no plans to transfer responsibility for Local Link services to my Department at this stage. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport remains the most appropriate Minister to oversee the RTP at this juncture, particularly given his remit for integrated transport policy, of which the RTP is a key component.