To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will work with rural communities to review the current need for rural transport.

My Department is currently working with councils and stakeholders in local communities to produce a new suite of local Transport Plans which will set out the framework for transport policy and investment decisions up until 2035. These transport plans are centred on local transport solutions and will seek to ensure that people are able to access employment, healthcare and other services.

My Department is also undertaking a phased review of the community transport schemes which it funds, including the Dial-A-Lift Scheme provided by the Rural Community Transport Partnerships. In order to inform the review’s first phase, my officials worked with rural service providers, transport users and some key stakeholders to obtain their views on a number of issues, including current and future demand for their services. I anticipate there will be further engagement with rural communities and rural transport providers in the next phase of the review.