Consulation on Developing Rural Transport in Ireland

Date: 23 August 2006

The Minister of State for Transport, Pat the Cope Gallagher, TD, today (Wednesday, 23rd August 2006) launched public consultation document “Progressing Rural Transport in Ireland - A Discussion Paper”. The Discussion Paper was prepared as part of the process of developing policy on the roll-out of the Rural Transport Initiative which is in its final year of its pilot phase.

Since 2002, a pilot Rural Transport Initiative has been in operation, under which the Government provides funding for community organisations and community partnerships to address the rural transport needs of their local communities. There are now 34 projects supported by the Rural Transport Initiative which operate in almost all counties. Through the 34 projects, over 600,000 trips were taken and over 73,000 services were provided in 2005. Pobal (formerly known as the Area Development Management Ltd) administers the initiative on behalf of the Department of Transport.

Minister Gallagher spoke of the success of the Rural Transport Initiative. “Behind each of these trips is a story, a real difference that these services are making in tackling social exclusion in rural areas. A sum of €4.5 million was provided for the initiative in 2005, while €5.1 million has been allocated to it this year. Such has been the success of the Rural Transport Initiative, it is being put on permanent footing from next year.

In parallel with the launch of Transport 21, the Minister for Transport announced that the level of funding available to the Rural Transport Initiative in 2007, will be increased substantially (to double that of 2005).

“Before final decisions are taken on the way forward with the Rural Transport Initiative, I am anxious to take account of the views and suggestions of parties who are involved in the provision of rural transport by way of a public consultation. I am now making the Discussion Paper publicly available and would encourage interested parties to give it due consideration as they frame their comments” said the Minister.

The Discussion Paper which was prepared by Fitzpatrick Associates suggests three possible options, and their target group for developing the rural transport initiative: -

- Existing Target Groups, involves a continuation of the status quo in terms of focus and activity, but rolling this out nationally. This involves services that provide for the Rural Transport Initiative’s existing target group coverage;

- Wider Target Groups, involves broader coverage of socially excluded groups. This option would target services that specifically meet a more broad range of the needs of socially excluded groups, including older people, people on low incomes, people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments, or young people;

- Wider Rural Public Transport, extends target group coverage to include all potential users of rural transport. Services would therefore not be targeted solely at the socially excluded, however, defined, but could also provide services for work purposes, for example.

While the first two options are mainly aimed at ensuring social inclusion, the third option would be targeted at meeting the social inclusion and sustainable transport objectives. Option 2 is the Consultant’s preferred option based on continuing the promotion of social inclusion; improving links with local authorities and other public service providers; building on existing experience, expertise and structures; and being open to integration with commercial services.

“ Progressing Rural Public Transport Ireland - A Discussion Paper” can be accessed on the Department’s website at www.transport.ie Copies can also be obtained by e-mail request to ruraltransport@transport.ie or by post on request to Mr Oisín Timoney, Accessibility/Rural Transport/ Traffic Management Division, Department of Transport, 44 Kildare Street. Dublin 2 (tel. 01 6041270). Written responses should be made to the Department of Transport by Friday, 22nd September.

ENDS
Further info: Veronica Scanlan at (01) 6041090 or 087 6430622