Bus Eireann downgrading of public transport can only have a negative effect on Rural Ireland

Rural Ireland still only has an embryonic public transport system even when compared with other rural areas in Europe.

The Rural Science Association representing graduates involved in Rural Development has expressed disappointment over the announcement by Bus Eireann of the withdrawal of up to 170 buses, the cancellation of 40 routes and further reductions in services. Chairman of the Association Dermot Leavy said that if rural towns and villages are to be sustainable, particularly in light of concern over rising carbon emissions, the provision of public transport needs to be greatly increased throughout rural Ireland, not cut back. Mr Leavy says the downgrading of public transport can only have a negative effect on Ireland’s carbon emissions and commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.

Rural Ireland still only has an embryonic public transport system even when compared with other rural areas in Europe. The prospect of a carbon tax within the lifetime of this Government means that even greater numbers in rural Ireland will find that they are excluded from everyday activities by the high cost of running a car and the reduction in an already inadequate rural public transport.

According to Mr Leavy, research shows that the burden any carbon tax is borne disproportionately by rural communities and in the present economic circumstances where vulnerable rural people are already facing intense pressure, the Rural Science Association is not convinced that such impacts can be adequately mitigated.

He says rural transport must not be diluted as it will be increasingly necessary to ensure that rural communities can access essential services, especially with the increased likelihood of local services being closed or scaled back going forward. Mr Leavy says that many people in rural areas who qualify for free public transport such as pensioners and those with disabilities have in practice no way of availing of this benefit as public transport options are already so limited in their local areas.

For further information contact Dermot Leavy at 086-2662733.