Rural transport scheme to be tested

A PILOT scheme for the provision of evening transport in rural areas is being prepared, it was announced yesterday.

The move had been sought in recent months during debates on drink driving, road accidents and the effects on the viability and social role of rural pubs of random tests conducted on motorists by gardaí.

Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, speaking at the launch in Dublin of a strategic plan for Irish Rural Link, the national group campaigning for sustainable rural communities, said the issue of an evening rural transport scheme had become very topical.