Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Transport infrastructure is an essential prerequisite for regional development. I will focus on a few key points in the time available. First, public transport in rural areas is essential for accessibility and social inclusion and can make a substantial difference in achieving climate goals. The lack of a robust and reliable public transport system continues to be a challenge and an obstacle for people living in rural areas in accessing employment, education and health services.

Public transport is an equality issue. It is a vital service that helps those who cannot drive or cannot afford a private vehicle to get jobs, reach medical appointments and take part in cultural events. People with disabilities in west Cork highlight the inadequacy of the Local Link services, despite recent improvements, and how some services are not wheelchair accessible. People must rely on family or taxis to get around or even to attend day services or training in some cases. The lack of transport remains a significant barrier. It is also an age and gender issue, as young and older people are the demographic groups which disproportionately use public transport. Many of the older cohort do not have driving licences, especially women aged over 70 who, for historical reasons, never learned or were not permitted to learn how to drive. They deserve a public transport system that allows them to live full and healthy lives.

Furthermore, the absence of proper bus stops and shelters is a major issue. Towns and villages across west Cork and rural Ireland are screaming out for sheltered bus stops that would at least allow people to sit and wait out of the rain. That is a bare minimum. Given that we are in Ireland, we know it is going to rain. It is unbelievable that in most towns and cities there is not even somewhere to sit and stay dry. That is a major disincentive to the use of public transport.

Despite a decrease in transport emissions last year due to Covid restrictions, this sector is a massive contributor to our overall emissions. Public transport can play a clear role in alleviating this. As we face a period of significant change to meet our emissions targets, public transport can and must be central to these plans. We need more public transport. We also need more frequent services, guaranteed accessibility and late-night routes. Such services must be subsidised. Funding is the key to this. Despite the Minister of State's assurances on the amounts spent, unless funding translates into regular, dependable and accessible transportation for as many people as possible, it is not working.

Second, there will still be a requirement for safe and well-maintained roads. They are a crucial social and economic link. Economic strategies can only be successful if the necessary infrastructure is in place, from broadband to roads. Roads are essential for emergency services and connecting rural communities with hospitals and even GP surgeries which are increasingly contracting. Public transport obviously has limitations in rural areas compared with built-up areas, and roads are fundamental to filling in the gaps. Crucially, better and safer roads also encourage cycling and other active travel. We need rural transport to be joined up to allow all people, young and old, to switch from different forms of mobility quickly and cheaply.

I raised the issue of road safety recently. There are numerous accident black spots in west Cork, such as the New Court corner west of Skibbereen and the Baxter's Bridge junction near Bandon, which I am sure the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, knows. They are unbelievably dangerous. How many accidents does it take for something to change? I seek an assurance that once a place is known to be dangerous, automatic interventions are implemented to save lives.

Third, in terms of maritime transport, there is a need to support the ferry services that sustain island communities. They are vital links that must not be overlooked in discussions of rural and regional transport.

The motion calls for clarity on all projects in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, including funding and timescales for the progression and estimated completion of projects. Deputy Catherine Murphy highlighted a concern of mine around the Government's rural development policy. A plan without clear targets, timescales and costs is not a plan but a wish list. The success of rural Ireland lies in a properly funded transport system. We need better public transport, integrated approaches and safer roads. Ultimately, we need the public investment to make this possible.

The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, referred to rural Ireland but it is difficult for many to understand how far-reaching the impact of the lack of public transport is in rural areas. I will give one example. In the past, people could always go to the community welfare officer if they needed to present as homeless and look for emergency accommodation. Due to the upsurge in homelessness on account of the housing crisis, they now have to go to the local authority housing office. There is no public transport from many towns in west Cork to the housing authority. The issue was brought to my attention in the case of people fleeing domestic violence who do not necessarily have transport. They might have children and lots of stuff and they cannot get to the housing office. That is an absolute disgrace and it highlights the specific need for transport in rural areas.

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