Expand daytime rural transport services

AS an organisation working to improve the quality of life of older people, Age Action welcomes proposals by Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív to increase funding for rural transport services.

However, if additional funding is available to provide night-time services to support local pubs, we believe consideration should also be given to expanding rural transport services in daylight hours.

The rural transport initiative has been a success in areas where it is operating. It has enabled older people, often living alone and without transport, to make essential trips to their local towns and villages for groceries, medical appointments and vital social contact. Without this service, many of these passengers may not have any human contact during the week.

However, there are many parts of the country where this service is not available.

Some older people may wish to avail of the service being proposed by the minister to go to their local pub. But many would wish to use such rural transport during daylight hours for other trips.

Age Action is lobbying the Government to adopt a more flexible approach to the issue by providing older people living in areas where there is no rural transport with a book of vouchers. These could then be used as payment for a range of potential transport providers in a community.

For example, with a bit of flexibility, it should be possible to use school buses — when they are not being used for students — to provide rural transport services for older people.

We cannot overstate the importance of rural transport and the social contact this service helps provide. Sociologists estimate that social contact can result in up to eight years increased longevity.

Eamon Timmins

Head of Advocacy and Communications

Age Action

30-31 Camden St

Dublin 2