Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A recent survey revealed that residents in County Carlow must travel an average of 40 km to their nearest accident and emergency department, a car journey of approximately 37 minutes. Because we do not have an adequate public transport system people must use any other mode of transport. There is nothing suitable for any kind or urgent travel. In Kilkenny, they have a marvellous scheme where anyone can travel from a location in the town, near McDonagh Junction and the train station. They can hop on and hop off the bus and get to St. Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny in minutes. This is a great link. My understanding is that it is free to those with a free travel pass. It is the kind of model that is urgently needed in Carlow. The reason I raise the issue now is that I failed to get picked to ask a question of the Minister for Transport. There were plans for a similar bus system in Carlow, which was supposed to happen early this year and then during the summer.

We were meant to get the same bus system, but it has not happened. We are now heading into 2021. What is the status of it? I ask the Tánaiste to speak to the Minister. I have had several phone calls in recent days asking when we will be able to provide a service, particularly for people from Carlow who would be able to get the bus to the train station and then travel on to the hospital in Kilkenny.

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