A LABOUR Party call on the Government to preserve the rural transport scheme despite the recommendations of the McCarthy report has been backed by farm and rural organisations.
Labour’s enterprise, trade and employment spokesman Willie Penrose said support for the scheme was an essential social programme for rural Ireland.
“Indeed, rather than considering ending the rural transport scheme which is vital for rural communities, there is a very profound argument to be made in support of the enhancement and extension of the services provided under the Rural Transport Scheme,” he said.
“These services are vital to people residing in rural areas, and they provide services for the elderly and for many people who reside on their own or in isolated areas, and fulfil an important social need of enabling these people to attend hospital appointments, or conduct private business, or even attend certain events,” he added.
“We all are aware that rural society is being affected by the changing nature of local services, with the loss of post offices and the closure of shops and pubs being evident.
“Very often these were the focal points for social interchange and discussion and helped combat loneliness and isolation,” said Mr Penrose.
“In this context, the value of these schemes to rural communities cannot be underestimated.
“Some groups across Longford and Westmeath have contacted me seeking to ensure that their particular scheme remains operating, and I am calling upon the Government to ensure that all such transport schemes are supported,” he said.
Irish Rural Link supported the call and said there was a need for a national rural transport strategy to provide resources and leadership for rural public transport across Ireland, with the ultimate aim of sustainable rural communities.
The Irish Farmers’ Association said it believed the provision of rural transport was vital for rural communities and supported the call for retention of the scheme and said it had been highlighting the loss of services in rural Ireland in recent protests.