5 November 2009 Edition
The uncertain fate of rural transport
By Ella O’ Dwyer
Proposals under the McCarthy report to cut rural transport must be totally opposed says Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris. The Rural Transport programme was designed to meet the transport needs of the most isolated people from as far apart as North Donegal to County Kerry.
Speaking to An Phoblacht the Kerry TD said “Sinn Féin is absolutely and totally opposed to any cuts in rural transport. Rural transport is so important for connectivity, particularly for people living in isolated areas and totally dependant on rural transport.” The cut proposed by McCarthy would save a mere €11 million.
“It’s very small money in relation to the overall budget”, Ferris says “when you consider the huge social importance of rural transport for people living in isolated areas where it’s a lifeline for many. The importance of rural transport cannot be over stated.”
County Donegal stands to suffer severely in the event of cuts to rural transport, as Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty points out. “Donegal has the highest remoteness and deprivation scores in the country. Lack of transport was and still is a major barrier to sustainable living from a social, community and personal aspect. The loss of the three rural transport schemes in the county will have serious and far-reaching effects on already isolated communities.”
Doherty believes that the proposed cut is badly thought out at the very least, if not downright heedless of the needs of rural communities.
“The proposal to axe the Rural Transport Programme is short-sighted and callous and takes no regard of the needs of the people of rural Ireland. Of course worrying about getting from A to B is not something that this government will ever have to concern themselves with. Far from getting on a bus, our government ministers need only whistle and a shiny Limo will race up and collect them. While John O’Donoghue travels in style rural Ireland is left stranded.
“Adequate rural transport is required to ensure that those at risk of social exclusion in rural areas have access to essential facilities and public services. The Rural Transport Programme has an important community focus and allows rural dwellers access to important services.”
Under the recent Revised Programme for Government there was an implication that the Fianna Fáil/Green Party Government might be relenting on the proposed cuts to rural transport saying: “We will explore the provision of a full scale transport system in rural areas.” Exploration however is not the same thing as giving a commitment to reject McCarthy’s proposed cut and it remains to be seen what will be the fate of the Rural Transport Programme.
Proposals under the McCarthy report to cut rural transport must be totally opposed says Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris. The Rural Transport programme was designed to meet the transport needs of the most isolated people from as far apart as North Donegal to County Kerry.
Speaking to An Phoblacht the Kerry TD said “Sinn Féin is absolutely and totally opposed to any cuts in rural transport. Rural transport is so important for connectivity, particularly for people living in isolated areas and totally dependant on rural transport.” The cut proposed by McCarthy would save a mere €11 million.
“It’s very small money in relation to the overall budget”, Ferris says “when you consider the huge social importance of rural transport for people living in isolated areas where it’s a lifeline for many. The importance of rural transport cannot be over stated.”
County Donegal stands to suffer severely in the event of cuts to rural transport, as Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty points out. “Donegal has the highest remoteness and deprivation scores in the country. Lack of transport was and still is a major barrier to sustainable living from a social, community and personal aspect. The loss of the three rural transport schemes in the county will have serious and far-reaching effects on already isolated communities.”
Doherty believes that the proposed cut is badly thought out at the very least, if not downright heedless of the needs of rural communities.
“The proposal to axe the Rural Transport Programme is short-sighted and callous and takes no regard of the needs of the people of rural Ireland. Of course worrying about getting from A to B is not something that this government will ever have to concern themselves with. Far from getting on a bus, our government ministers need only whistle and a shiny Limo will race up and collect them. While John O’Donoghue travels in style rural Ireland is left stranded.
“Adequate rural transport is required to ensure that those at risk of social exclusion in rural areas have access to essential facilities and public services. The Rural Transport Programme has an important community focus and allows rural dwellers access to important services.”
Under the recent Revised Programme for Government there was an implication that the Fianna Fáil/Green Party Government might be relenting on the proposed cuts to rural transport saying: “We will explore the provision of a full scale transport system in rural areas.” Exploration however is not the same thing as giving a commitment to reject McCarthy’s proposed cut and it remains to be seen what will be the fate of the Rural Transport Programme.