A major rural transport study in four counties in the Republic will be used to form part of a national transport needs plan.
The survey, which is under the aegis of a number of government departments, including the Departments of the Environment and Public Enterprise, and also involves health boards, is already under way in Co Kerry. Counties Laois, Westmeath and Mayo have also been chosen for the study.
Questionnaires have been sent to 2,000 households outside the main towns in Kerry. One of the key issues is whether public or private bus operators would best meet the needs of those in rural areas.