Minister rejects questions on rural transport cuts as older people get one-way ticket to isolation – Ring

Fine Gael Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs Spokesperson, Michael Ring TD, today (Friday) criticised Minister Eamon Ó Cuív’s refusal to answer Dáil questions on rural transport following the Government’s decision to end funding for evening transport services in seven rural areas.

“I am outraged that questions I put down on rural transport for response in the Dáil this week were rejected by the Minister. It is clear that the Fianna Fáil Government is so out-of-touch it is unable to recognise the importance of transport in rural areas. In many cases it is older people who most need transport – to combat loneliness, to offer a social outlet and a connection to the community as well as for practical reasons like shopping, collecting pensions or seeing the doctor. The Government has recently decided to end funding to seven pilot evening transport services in rural areas which is a backward step. In effect they are handing older people and others in rural areas a one-way ticket to isolation.

“It should be remembered that while there is a cost in providing rural transport services there is also an economic benefit in helping older people to retain independence, keeping them healthier and happier through social interaction and able to live longer in their own homes as a result. I will be returning to this issue in the Dáil next week and I demand answers from the Minister on this vital issue for rural areas.”