Transport is the real problem — not the drink limit

IT IS interesting to note that a number of Fianna Fáil TDs who are opposed to Transport Minister Noel Dempsey’s plan to lower the drink-driving limit cite the impact this change would have on older people living in isolated rural areas.

One deputy described them on national radio as the “forgotten people” and said the new proposals, if implemented, would add to rural isolation. It is encouraging that some TDs are not ignoring the plight of many older people in rural Ireland, especially those who do not drive. However, the key issue that needs to be addressed to help these people is not a protection of the existing drink-driving limits, but the provision of a proper rural transport infrastructure.

Without adequate rural transport these people are stranded. Certainly there may be some older people who would like to use rural transport to get to their local pub for a pint and the social interaction that comes with it. However, there are many more who need transport to get to the post office to collect their pension, to get to their local GP’s surgery for an appointment, and to their local village or town to do their weekly shopping.

Age Action hopes all our politicians will rally around to ensure that the free travel entitlement provided to citizens aged over 66 can be used by those in rural Ireland, and not just those in urban areas where public transport is available. Rural transport is a major issue for older people. Their fears have been fuelled by the McCarthy report’s proposal to abolish state funding for the rural transport initiative.

The revised programme for government promises to “explore” the provision of a full-scale transport system in rural areas using the network expertise of Bus Éireann and the school transport system. For many older people who are isolated today, changes in the drink-driving limits will make no difference to their lives, while a proper transport system would transform them.

Eamon Timmins

Age Action

Lr Camden Street

Dublin 2