People living in rural and remote areas are to benefit from an extension to the government's free travel scheme.
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has announced he is to extend the scheme to include those who avail of the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI). RTI is a voluntary and community-based travel scheme for people in rural areas who do not have regular access to a car.
Some 13,000 people countrywide use RTI services each month and more than half of them will immediately benefit from a free travel pass, Mr Brennan said.
The Department of Transport will provide €3 million to help fund the RTI services this year. A total of 1,800 new services will be provided on 300 routes.
Seven out of 10 people who use the service are women, while 58 per cent already hold a free travel pass.
Mr Brennan said the extension of the scheme would result in annual savings of up to €160 for those who qualify for a free travel pass, giving the RTI equal status with regular public transport services.
The Minister made the announcement as he launched Rural Transport Initiatives in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, and Castleisland, Co Kerry.