Rural transport cuts 'will hit vulnerable older people'

The decision to end funding for evening transport services in seven rural areas will hurt some of the most isolated older people living in these areas, Age Action has warned.

In a statement, the the charity for older people said it shares the dismay of other rural organisations at the decision of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to end the funding for the seven pilot projects from July 10.

The areas which had run on a pilot basis since May 2007 were in east and west Cork, Cavan, Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal and Laois. Funding for day-time services in these areas has not been affected.

“We would urge Minister (Eamon) Ó Cuív to review this decision to cut funding for the evening services,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.

“The withdrawal of these services would contribute to greater isolation among older people who do not have a car, and take away a vital social outlet for them.”

“Without the evening service, some older people will be confined to their homes each evening,” Mr Timmins said.

“Just last year the Minister confirmed that the services were being widely used. We have no reason to believe this has changed. So why has this damaging decision now been taken?”