Elderly 'isolated by lack of rural public transport'

The most vulnerable people in society are swept aside in the run-up to an election, it was claimed today.

Calling on all the political parties to commit to combat the isolation felt by the elderly by expanding rural public transport services, they were warned it is a lifeline for older people.

Launching a joint Rural Transport Charter, the Irish Rural Link (IRL) - the national group campaigning for sustainable rural communities - and Age Action outlined a set of practical proposals which would significantly improve access to public transport in rural areas.

They believe that, with some imagination and extra funding, a huge amount could be achieved in a fairly short space of time to combat the isolation experienced by older people in particular.

"Rural transport is needed to attend medical appointments, collect pensions from the post office and get essential groceries," said Age Action's Robin Webster.

"Changed economic and social circumstances in rural Ireland have meant that many older people are faced with declining local public and private services and weakened community and family supports.

"The consequence of these changes is that older people in rural areas who find themselves without access to a car can become very cut off from social contact and be left feeling very isolated and vulnerable."

Measures proposed in the charter include initiating a minibus or hackney services voucher scheme for Free Travel Pass holders in rural areas, establishing greater financial incentives - grants, VAT and VRT reductions - for the setting up of travel services in remote areas, and establishing a unit within the Department of Transport to co-ordinate and integrate all transport in rural areas with the inter-regional transport being rolled out under Transport 21.

"Sometimes in the run-up to elections the interests of the most vulnerable in society get swept aside," continued Mr Webster.

"The social consequences of failing to significantly improve public transport in rural areas during the lifetime of the next government will be grave.

"The introduction of an all-Ireland free travel pass earlier this month was very welcome. However, it should not be forgotten that many older people in rural areas still have no way of accessing free travel in practice."

The groups have demanded that all the political parties commit to greater provision of public transport in rural areas in their 2007 Election Manifestos.

"A message that has been consistently voiced to both Irish Rural Link and Age Action from those working with older people in rural areas is that the unavailability of public transport is significantly contributing to social isolation," added Seamus Boland, IRL chief executive.

"It is not an exaggeration to say adequate rural transport is a lifeline for older people who cannot drive."