Rural Transport is at risk by An Bord Snip Nua

Last year, Westmeath Rural Community Transport made 45,936 passenger journeys and operated 32 scheduled routes in the county. The scheme, which operates bus links into both Mullingar and Athlone from remote country areas may cease to operate if recommendations made in the recent An Bord Snip Nua report are implemented.Manager Noel Mc Cormack is furious that An Bord Snip Nua has identified the scheme as expendable, describing the recommendations as "A kick in the teeth for rural Ireland":"Westmeath Rural Community Transport provides a vital link for so many people, especially a large number of elderly people who are isolated and have no other means of transport."Losing their bus service will cause great suffering to these people. The buses give people access to essential services and are affordable.They also combat rural isolation and allow people to have a greater independence in rural Ireland."Of the 32 scheduled routes those operating in north Westmeath include the Streete to Mullingar run with stops in Lismacaffrey, Boherquill, Streete, Rathowen, Rathaspic, Ballinalack, Bunbrosna, Knockdrin; The Castlepollard to Mullingar route which stops inCoole, Castlepollard, Whitehall, Crookedwood, Multyfarnham and Ballinafid-Hospital; The Ballynacargy to Mullingar run which includes stops in, Sonna Cross, Coolnaha, Creaghs Cross, Brotenstown Church, Shandonnagh Bridge and Veldon Cross-and the Kilbeggan to Mullingar run which goes through Ballinagore, Dalystown, Meedin Church, Gneevebawn, Tyrellspass and Croghan Road-Wallaces Pub.There are also routes from Killucan to Mullingar through Corbistown, Raharney, Brutonstown, Rathwire, and from Rochfordbridge to Mullingar through Gibbinstown, Gortomloe, Rochfordbridge, Rahanine, Castlelost, Milltownpass, Bog road, Dublin Road and Gaybrook. The village of Delvin also has a number of scheduled runs including Delvin to Mullingar through Clonmellon, Rosmead, Addinstown, Gaffneys Pub, Caddagh, Killough, Reynella, Turin, the Delvin Friendship Club also operate a rural link in the Delvin Environs.Business Development Manager with Mullingar Chamber Martha Clancy has described the bus service provided by Westmeath Rural Community Transport as vital:"It will be just devastating for both the people involved and our local shop keepers if this service was stopped. A lot of people travelling into town from rural areas are long-time, loyal and much valued customers of our local shops. We are aware of the important role played by this network of buses in bringing people with limited mobility or no access to transport into the town and we know that the local business community are supported greatly by their efforts."