Patricia Stephenson (Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Ruane's intervention. I would also like the Minister to furnish us with a report on the cost-benefit analysis of using this type of appalling, heavy-handed policing tactics versus using a community mediator in instances like this. This type of policing is morally wrong but I also suspect it is more expensive for the State.

The issue I want to speak on today is to do with rural Kilkenny, which is facing a transport crisis. A key private bus operator for the area, JJ Kavanagh and Sons, is reducing its 717 service from Clonmel to Dublin Airport. It is making route adjustments and cutting out some notable areas, including Castlecomer. This is going to impact on communities, students and travellers, with only a week's notice and no public consultation. It is really a huge blow to the area. With no viable public transport alternative in place, this is going to leave residents without reliable public transport and without access to work, education, and the airport. I am asking that the National Transport Authority and the Government intervene immediately. Most of us in this room will agree that public transport should be a public good. We need to take the opportunity to put alternatives in place in these instances where a provider suddenly stops a service. It is a devastating blow for people from the area. Public transport should be a right. It should not be a privilege. Without these services, workers, students and families are left stranded. It is deepening the rural-urban divide we see in many other instances. It is compounding the sense of rural exclusion that so many rural communities feel. This is why it is important that we address it. This has been a lifeline route for those commuting from Castlecomer to Dublin, Waterford, Carlow, Athy and other destinations. The absence of a public transport option means those without access to cars do not have an alternative. It is a major failing in our public transport policy that this has happened. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about today being a good day for Kildare. I wish I could speak about it being a good day for public transport for Kilkenny. This is why I would like a debate on equity in rural transport.