Clare Bus is to appeal a decision by the National Transport Authority to transfer the responsibility for Clare’s rural transport service to Limerick.
The bus service, which links those living in remote areas to larger towns and cities, has been described as a lifeline for rural Clare and now it’s feared there will be a downgrade of their service.
The Transport Minister says it’s regrettable but out of his hands.
Clare’s Transport Co-ordination Unit oversees the locally-based rural bus service, which provides a vital link for people to travel to towns around the county.
Up until now, it had been operated by Clare Bus but the National Transport Authority has transferred the co-ordination of the service to Limerick Local Link.
Speaking in the Dáil, Clare’s Independent TD Dr Michael Harty outlined his concerns about the impact it’ll have on services here.
But Transport Minister Shane Ross says it’s out of his control.
This proposal won’t see buses taken off the road, but it’s feared this change could impact on the quality of the overall service.
Clare Bus is to appeal the decision, in an attempt to retain the contract.
Manager of the company Chris Kidney fears running the co-ordination unit from Limerick puts that service at risk.
The news has led to serious concern about a further downgrade of living conditions for those in rural Ireland.
Quin businessman Ger O’Halloran is a Fine Gael candidate in the upcoming local elections – he says the impact cannot be understated.
