Connecting Ireland must listen to rural communities - Dillon

MAYO Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has called for the newly announced Connecting Ireland transport initiative to listen to the people of rural Ireland.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is proposing an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services as part of the five-year Connecting Ireland plan. While this is a welcomed initiative, the NTA needs to reach out to all facets of rural communities, he said, including engagement with local organisations representing older people, disabled people and Irish Rural Link.

Said Deputy Dillon: “I would encourage all members of the communities to engage with the public consultation process which opened on Friday.”

Connecting Ireland proposes to expand the public transport network in rural areas and to increase service levels.

As a result:

* 70% of people in rural Ireland will have access to public transport service that provides at least three return trips daily to the nearby town. (This compares to the current figure of 53%.).

* Over 100 rural villages will benefit from frequent public transport service (at least three return trips daily) for the first time.

* Over 100 rural areas will benefit from a regular service, at least three return trips daily to their county town for the first time.

* There will be over 60 new connections to regional cities from surrounding areas.

* Improved mobility options for those in remote areas with the provision of demand responsive and other innovative transport services.

Urged Deputy Dillon: “I would advise everyone to go to nationaltransport.ie, read the details about what Connecting Ireland means for your area in County Mayo, and give your feedback.”