19/05/10

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is calling on Bus Eireann to make a definitive public statement on rural bus routes particularly in relation to the Doneraile-Mallow- Cork bus service which locals report is to be axed

Deputy Sherlock said this is the latest in a serious of moves by Bus Eireann that he believes will eventually result in the complete withdrawal of all rural bus services operated by the company.

 

"Little by little Bus Eireann has been eliminating routes from its rural network. Most recently it was the Castletownroche to Mallow service and now they are targeting those in Doneraile. While I appreciate it may not be financially feasible to operate this service on a daily basis there is absolutely no justification for removing it completely," asserted Deputy Sherlock.

 

Deputy Sherlock said the move makes a mockery of the Free Travel Pass system which for the most part benefits old age pensioners who require transport in their own locality.

 

"What is the point in issuing a free travel pass when you can't go anywhere because there are no bus services. There are an awful lot of people who rely on this bus to get to the bank in Mallow or access services such as the dentist. It's time Bus Eireann comes clean on their rural bus policy," stated the Deputy.

 

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