Scepticism over Ó Cuív plans for bus service
Minister for Community, Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív yesterday said the Government was considering extending the rural transport network in light of complaints from publicans in rural areas that their livelihoods were at risk because of inadequate alternative transport provisions for customers in the wake of the introduction of random breath testing.
However, councillors around the country, including two from the minister’s own party, have said such a system would simply not work.
Michael Carty, a Mayo Fianna Fáil councillor and a publican in Knock said an improved transport network would be ideal but he could not see how such a system would be implemented, especially late at night.
Noel Harrington is a Cork county councillor based in Castletownbere. His relative is a publican.
He said: “Eamon Ó Cuiv talking about extending the rural transport network is like a ticket to fantasy land. The Irish social habit is that we go after work or after tea and we meet and drink at the same time as others. That means everyone leaves at the same time when the pubs close. You would need to have a bus for every pub in the country. The network here in Beara covers 30 miles.”
However, the minister does have some support for his plan.
Kerry Fianna Fáil councillor Tommy Fleming said major drinks companies “must row in behind Government plans to extend the operating hours of State-subsidised transport schemes to help people living in isolated areas get to and from the local pub”.
Mr Fleming, who is also a publican, said a nitelink-style transport service in rural areas is badly needed.
