Rural transport and driving tests
Deputy Collins complains that Government policy has left rural Ireland almost immobile and not properly rural-proofed. The Minister of State says rural transport, including Nitelink and other alternatives, is under active consideration and also mentions driving test and licence concerns.
On page 53 of the programme for Government it is stated the Government recognises the value of rural transport and will examine how best to improve rural bus network services in regions. Over the Christmas and new year period hundreds of people vented their fury to me at how the Minister, Deputy Shane Ross, had been allowed by the Government, supported by Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, to freely inflict almost complete lack of movement in rural Ireland without any rural-proofing of the effects it could have, or an examination of how a proper transport service could be put in place to counter such a mess that could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs in the pub and tourism industries and to allow hard-working people to come and go on a night out, something now they cannot do.
Thousands of young drivers are now not allowed to drive unless accompanied by the holder of a full licence. That is another piece of work by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, without any measures set in place. Young people in west Cork are waiting six months for driving tests. How can the Government reverse the mess being made for so many of these people in rural Ireland?
Comment on this
I will point out a number of things. The ministerial management board met yesterday in the Department. Rural transport issues were again to the fore. Many issues were discussed, such as the extension of the Nitelink bus service. That is a recent decision. The Department is also exploring how we can best serve rural communities further with alternative and newer types of rural transport. These matters are under consideration in the Department.
It is important that information is available for people awaiting driving tests and who need a driving licence for work or for college. I advise Deputy Collins, or any other Deputy approached by members of the public seeking a test, to contact the Road Safety Authority, RSA. There are numerous cancellations every week and there are vacancies. If somebody needs a test at short notice, that avenue exists. The rationale behind the legislation on unaccompanied drivers was that, statistically, such drivers were far more likely to be involved in a fatal accident and the cause of that accident.
