Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Where I live in County Kilkenny, transport difficulties arise because of rural isolation. At present, I am dealing with a very difficult school transport issue and I would love to see much more debate take place. In his submission Mr. Reidy stated we certainly need a national debate on how transport is delivered and the issues which have been raised at the meeting are valid. We need public debate and the communities must have a say. They deserve to be listened to because they are the people who use the service. With regard to Mr. McCamley's contribution, I was involved in the campaigns along Abbeyleix, Durrow, Johnstown and Urlingford and eventually a public service order must be introduced to make it attractive. As Mr. McCamley stated, the State must pick it up anyway. All of the concerns which have been raised are valid. Kilkenny works extremely well with Waterford and I hope the witnesses from Waterford will continue to be involved.