New pilot evening bus service to combat rural isolation – Heydon

A proposal to run new evening bus services across 50 different routes in 19 different counties around the country will help to combat rural isolation and connect communities, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Martin Heydon, Kildare South TD and Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, first proposed the night bus service to Minister for Transport Shane Ross last autumn.

“I am delighted that Minister Ross has now agreed to proceed with my proposal for a rural night bus service, following his consultation with the National Transport Authority on my proposal.

“In light of the new drink driving rules coming into force, I felt it was extremely important that we provide practical solutions to help combat potential isolation in our rural communities.

“The local link bus scheme is now going to run from 6pm to 11pm in a pilot project across 50 routes in 19 counties, including Kildare, Kerry, Cork, Laois, Offaly, Donegal, Waterford, Wexford, Cavan, Monaghan.

“This is a great result for rural Ireland and just one example of how Fine Gael is using the economic recovery to strengthen rural communities. Along with my colleagues in the Fine Gael parliamentary party, I am focused on better connecting communities in rural areas and addressing social isolation in a practical way.

“These 188 additional weekly bus runs will bring people into their local towns and villages in the evening times, driving economic activity in those areas and allowing people to gather for whatever activity they wish, from a visit to the cinema or to dance, play card games, view a GAA match, or visit a pub or restaurant. Communities and local businesses will be able organise new activities to attract residents into their town or village once they know that those residents will have this evening bus service available to them.

“Beyond this extensive pilot, which I believe highlights the massive potential of our rural transport network, I wish to see a change in how we as a State approach public transport in rural areas. Policy formation in this area has often been an after-thought rather than an integral part of overall public transport policy.

“I and my colleagues in the Fine Gael parliamentary party will continue to work with Minister Ross to ensure that we develop a public transport service all over rural Ireland that empowers communities, local business and rural dwellers.”