A night-time rural transport scheme was announced this afternoon.
Seven groups in counties Cork (2), Cavan, Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal and Laois have been chosen from over 22 applications to run the State-sponsored pilot scheme, which is expected to be running within weeks.
The €500,000 initiative was announced by Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív, who said that there was a need for an evening transport service that would allow people to participate in local community, sporting and social activities.
Mr Ó Cuív added that the groups selected were chosen using a wide criteria including evidence of need, geographical spread and value for money.
"In many rural areas, there are no public transport services at night. While there are, in the more developed areas, either hackney or taxi services, these are totally at the discretion of the providers of these services and don't provide a guaranteed service to rural people," he said.
Although old age pensioners and other holders of free passes will not have to pay for using the service, a charge will apply to other passengers.
"The new scheme will focus on maximising the general community good. They will be community-led and will have an important role to play in tackling rural social isolation," Mr Ó Cuív added.
The seven groups in the scheme are: West Cork Rural Transport; Avondhu Development Group, east Cork; Meath Accessible/Kilnaleck Community, Co Cavan; Co Sligo Leader Partnership; Tumna Shannon Development Company, Roscommon; Síob Teoranta, Co Donegal; and Laois Trip.
