IFA calls for better public transport in rural areas

THERE is no justification for relaxing the rules on drink driving, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president Padraig Walshe.

But the issue is obviously causing a major problem in rural areas because of the lack of good public transport which would facilitate people to go out to a function, take a few drinks and be sure they got home in comfort, he said.

Mr Walshe said while there was a distinct lack of public transport in rural Ireland, billions were being spent on public transport initiatives in urban areas.

“I think a small fraction of that amount of money would put decent public transport systems in place in rural areas, not just at night time but during the day as well,” he said.

Mr Walshe was speaking after Community, Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív indicated that the Government is to introduce measures before the general election to counter the demise of rural pubs. The IFA leader said he was not going to condemn the rules on drink driving as consuming too much drink was one of the factors that caused traffic accidents.

“It is a major problem out there and I think it should be addressed,” said Mr Walshe, who was speaking with reporters at the IFA annual general meeting in Dublin.

Many publicans in rural areas have indicated that their livelihoods are under threat because of inadequate alternative transport provisions for customers in the wake of the introduction of random breath testing.

Mr Ó Cuív told TG4 that the Government has been studying the issue of transport to and from rural pubs in this context. He said a solution may involve extending the hours of existing rural transport schemes.

While the decision rests with Transport Minister Martin Cullen, the Government would introduce provisions before the election, he said.