Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with Senator Rose Conway-Walsh by discussing the Bus Éireann issue. It is very serious for the entire country, particularly for rural Ireland. It is estimated that Bus Éireann carries approximately 110,000 passengers per day, which is a startling statistic. It is mind boggling to consider the huge social impact a strike would have on the citizens of this country.

As part of the cost cutting exercise it is proposed to do away with the three routes of Dublin to Clonmel, Athlone to Westport and Dublin to Derry. I am familiar with the Dublin to Derry route because it passes through County Monaghan and Ardee in County Louth. The bus stops in Monaghan town, Castleblayney, Carrickmacross and also in Ardee. It is a vital service for the people who live in the region. There is another bus that travels direct from Letterkenny to Dublin. It stops in Monaghan town but not in the other towns in County Monaghan or in Ardee. The loss of these routes will have serious repercussions for rural Ireland. At a time when there is a renewed focus on developing rural Ireland this proposal will take away a vital link to the region.

I understood up to this point the reluctance of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to get involved in the dispute but this matter has become too serious. I plead with him to bring all of the parties together in a round table discussion with a view to finding a compromise. Ultimately every dispute is settled. The only way the dispute can be settled is through talks. I plead with him to bring all of the parties together to find a solution for the benefit of all of the citizens of this country.