Roscommon should be considered as a location for one of the pilot schemes for night-time rural transport, according to Deputy Michael Finneran. The pilot scheme is to get underway in the next month. ‘I have been vocal about my support for a night-time rural transport scheme from the outset and I strongly believe that Roscommon is the perfect location for one of the pilot schemes. The Minister has said that this scheme will be community-driven and will not be profit-based. The shape of the scheme will be decided by the RTOs or LEADER partnership companies. It will not be driven by vested interests. ‘I am glad that the pilot schemes will run for 12 months, because the true worth of the scheme will be obvious in a year’s time. This scheme will be as useful to young people going to youth clubs as it is to people who want to go for a drink or two at the weekends. ‘It will not be a free-for-all. The Minister has stressed that it is his intention that those who can afford to pay for the service, should pay. The scheme is specifically designed to cost the State less than the current rural transport programme. People living in rural areas of Roscommon would stand to benefit enormously from the introduction of this pilot scheme, and I will continue to fight for Roscommon to be included in the initial scheme,’ said Deputy Finneran.
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