Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I call for a debate on rural transport and, in particular, Bus Éireann's involvement in the provision of transport to rural areas. Bus Éireann is the only State transport provider for much of rural Ireland. It has a public service obligation contract to the State and its job is not to think solely in business terms, but to provide a vital link to otherwise isolated communities.

In recent weeks we heard the news of the elimination of the No. 7 Dublin to Cork route, which currently goes through parts of Kilkenny and south Tipperary, and the scaling back of the No. 5 route between Dublin and Waterford, which serves part of north Wexford. The cutting of services to small villages and towns is a disgrace. The management of Bus Éireann forgets that taxpayers' money is invested into Bus Éireann to provide a public service. It seems to believe that the sole purpose of the company is to make money rather than to serve communities. Its media and public relations manager said there is no doubt that the decisions will impact on rural communities but the demand is not there to sustain the business.

Since 2011, Bus Éireann has cut almost 100 services leaving many towns with no public transport options. I am concerned that if it is not called to task on these cuts, we will see further cuts across the country. It must be remembered that the motorway network which has connected our major cities and has drastically cut journey times is welcome but it has led to the bypassing of many towns, and those towns rely on the Bus Éireann routes that still use the old roads. In east Galway, towns like Loughrea, Athenry and Ballinasloe have been bypassed by the N7 motorway but many people still pass through those towns using the Bus Éireann route to Dublin and Galway.Bus Éireann needs to be reminded of its public service obligations. If the cuts in the south are repeated nationwide it will be another sad milestone in this Government's comprehensive neglect of rural Ireland. Access to transport is a major quality of life issue, especially for older people. Proper transport links give a lifeline to many communities in tackling the very serious problem of rural isolation. I would be very grateful if we could have a debate on this issue.