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.