Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I tabled this matter in the aftermath of receiving a large number of representations from users of the rural bus transport scheme who are concerned about its future. The scheme, which has been in existence since 2002, was established to combat rural isolation. In its infancy it accounted for 151,000 journeys. This rose to 1.7 million last year. A typical journey would involve collecting elderly people in outlying areas on a Friday morning to bring them to the nearest town in order that they might collect their pensions. Another would involve transporting schoolchildren in rural areas to places where they might avail of facilities such as swimming pools on a regular basis. As a Senator based in a rural area, I am acutely aware of the importance of a good rural transport service and I see the wonderful work done by Cavan Area Rural Transport and Baltibus Rural Transport.

A State-subsidised rural transport service not only helps to deliver some measure of equality between rural and urban areas, but it also plays a vital role in combating rural isolation, which is a particular problem for the elderly. A survey undertaken last year shows that 56% of users - two thirds of whom are women - are over 65 years of age. For some people who live in rural areas, the rural transport service is the only connection they have with the outside world. The door-to-door services has, in many cases, provided a lifeline to people, particularly as it brings them out of their homes. A study published by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul indicates that loneliness is the biggest problem faced by older people and refers to the importance of rural transport in addressing the sense of isolation often felt by these individuals. It must be remembered that not every older person is in a position to run a car. In addition, those who have been widowed or who never married often live alone. That is why the service provides such a lifeline.

The 2009 bord snip nua report compiled by Colm McCarthy recommended the abolition of the network and stated:

Given the availability of private sector bus alternatives, the high level of car ownership, and the underutilisation of synergies with other publicly funded local transport services support the view that the level of direct exchequer assistance can and should be eliminated, particularly in light of current budgetary circumstances this programme should be ended.

Earlier this year, and following on from concerns about information linked to one of the newspapers, the Minister for Transport stated:

Work is underway to determine the optimal structure for the delivery of rural transport from an efficiency and service perspective. One of the proposals being examined is that the RTPs be "aligned" with local authorities and that a number of Transport Coordination Units be established.

The Minister also indicated that he would be in a position to recommend a new structure later this year and said: "I will be ensuring that any future structure for the RTP will be based on community input, local flexibility and involving the voluntary sector." Will the Minister of State indicate when this structure will be recommended, the shape it will take and the steps that will be taken to ensure that it will be based on community input, local flexibility and involving the voluntary sector?

As already stated, many users are concerned with regard to the service and the shape it will take in the future. People who live in rural areas have already been put to the pin of their collars and many communities have been damaged by mass emigration, Garda station closures and the loss of schools. The potential changes to and decimation of the rural transport network give rise to further cause for concern. The denigration of the network will lead to a reduction in the quality and flexibility of services, which means that many elderly people who live in isolated rural areas will have their mobility curtailed. We are opposed to the centralisation of this scheme and we hope that the existing service will be maintained. We are of the view that the proposed takeover could affect routing and the general management of the voluntary transport system, which has been operating successfully for over ten years.