8 July 1999 Edition
Direct actions saves transport service
Direct action by people with disabilities has saved a pioneering transport network which provides a vital service in the Greater Dublin area. Despite previous government commitments to fund the service the money ran out and a protest vigil was held outside Leinster House last week demanding action.
The Vantastic service is used by 300 people with disabilities, their carers and friends. It received funding after it was established but last week faced closure as government funds dried up. Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin was among a number of TDs who urged the adjournment of the Dáil to address the urgent need for government funding. Faced with a united Opposition and hundreds of people with disabilities maintaining a round-the-clock vigil outside Leinster House, the government entered into urgent talks with the protesters.
Minister Michael Woods made a commitment of £105,000 to save the service. £350,000 per annum will be required to maintain it. On the protest was John Doyle, who made national headlines last year when he protested outside Heuston Station at the failure of CIE to provide accessible transport for people with disabilities. John, who was a Sinn Féin candidate in Bray in the local elections, pointed out that Vantastic was a vital service in the absence of accessible public transport. He highlighted the refusal of many taxi firms to take people with disabilities, including firms which have specially adapted taxis. The protesters vowed that the campaign for ``transport for all'' would be escalated in the months ahead.
The Vantastic service is used by 300 people with disabilities, their carers and friends. It received funding after it was established but last week faced closure as government funds dried up. Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin was among a number of TDs who urged the adjournment of the Dáil to address the urgent need for government funding. Faced with a united Opposition and hundreds of people with disabilities maintaining a round-the-clock vigil outside Leinster House, the government entered into urgent talks with the protesters.
Minister Michael Woods made a commitment of £105,000 to save the service. £350,000 per annum will be required to maintain it. On the protest was John Doyle, who made national headlines last year when he protested outside Heuston Station at the failure of CIE to provide accessible transport for people with disabilities. John, who was a Sinn Féin candidate in Bray in the local elections, pointed out that Vantastic was a vital service in the absence of accessible public transport. He highlighted the refusal of many taxi firms to take people with disabilities, including firms which have specially adapted taxis. The protesters vowed that the campaign for ``transport for all'' would be escalated in the months ahead.