The successful trial of a rural transport initiative will see the project established on a permanent basis next year, the Minister of State at the Department of Transport said today.
Speaking in Co Donegal today Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher said €5.1 million has been allocated to the project this year and that this would be increased to approximately €9 million next year.
The Rural Transport Initiative provides funding for local groups in rural areas to address their transport needs, with a particular emphasis on tackling exclusion.
It has been running since 2002 and there are now 34 different projects. This year along these projects saw 73,000 services operated leading to the provision of 600,000 journeys.
As part of the rollout of the project the Mr Gallagher today published a public consultation document.
"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.
The discussion document outlines three possible development options and is seeking the views of those involved in providing the service.
The full text of the discussion document can be accessed on the Department of Transport website.