RURAL BUS PASSENGERS HAND IN PETITION TO T.D.

RURAL BUS PASSENGERS HAND IN PETITION TO T.D.

A delegation of concerned passengers and Board Members of West Cork Rural Transport met outside the constituency offices of Mr Christy O’ Sullivan, T.D. last Friday, which was National Rural Transport Awareness Day. They handed in petition letters and signatories supporting the retention of the Rural Transport Programme. The petitions called on the six Oireachtas members in West Cork to vote against the proposal if it comes up in the Dáil or Seanad. This is in response to the proposal in the “An Bórd Snip Nua” report which recommends ceasing funding for the programme which would effectively see it axed all over the country. In Clonakilty, the passengers from the four buses that come into Clonakilty every Friday held a mass meeting the previous week when it was agreed to organise the petitions, and deliver them to the local T.D.’s office. Those who were able to, assembled for last Friday’s event. Speaking at last Fridays, event David O’Brien Manager of West Cork Rural Transport stated “This proposal would have devastating consequences for a huge number of people not only in West Cork but throughout the entire country. The Rural Transport is recognised as being an important lifeline for many people living in Rural Isolated Areas who do not drive or may not have access to transport”. He continued to say that “It gives them the independence to visit the local towns once a week and also to meet with their neighbours weekly. For many this may be their only social outing for the week. Therefore the Social Value of the Programme is immeasurable”. Speaking in reply Mr. Christy O’Sullivan, T.D. said that he fully supported the retention of the Rural Transport Programme and agreed that it makes a huge impact on the lives of so many people living in Rural Areas.
Other public representatives present to lend their support for the retention of the Rural Transport Programme included Senator Michael McCarthy, County Councillors Cllr. John O’Sullivan, Cllr. Dermot Sheehan, Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan and Cllr Jim Daly and Clonakilty Town Councillor John Loughnan. Also in support but unavoidably absent were Jim O’Keefe T.D., P.J. Sheehan, T.D., Senator Denis O’Donovan and Clonakilty Town Councillor Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin.