AROUND 600 people turned out at the headquarters of the rural transport service in Co Kerry yesterday to voice their support for the continuation of the service which has ferried half a million people since its inception.
Kerry Community Transport Ltd, which provides the service under the rural transport programme of the Department of Transport, heard from politicians across the political spectrum during the day.
Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly revealed he had met Transport Minister Noel Dempsey in Kenmare on Thursday night, which meeting he described as “constructive and positive”.
“What was not factored in in the McCarthy report was the gaps that would be left if the service is curtailed. The scheduled rural transport service dovetails with HSE appointments in 10 counties. If it is discontinued, then the HSE will have to find money for taxis. This was a constructive positive meeting with the Minister and I would be hopeful for the future,” the senator said.
Yesterday’s events were chaired by former tánaiste and minister for foreign affairs Dick Spring.
The service’s manager, Carmel Walsh, said: “There has been a groundswell of support for the continuation of the Rural Transport Programme. Passengers and rural communities have been instrumental in making their views known. These services ensure that people in rural communities can access essential services. For many who use the service there is not an alternative.”
Praise was heaped on Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae for his efforts in raising awareness of the threat to the programme.
The Kerry event was part of a wider awareness campaign held across the country. Jack Roche, chairman of Rural Transport Network, said that the events had been a “huge success”.