Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has today (Friday) welcomed the proposals to restructure the National Rural Transport Programme announced by Minister of State Alan Kelly this week. The proposals will see 18 Transport Co-ordination Units set up to replace the existing 35 Rural Transport Programme groups.
“While we have enjoyed excellent services in Kildare, nationwide the rural transport scheme was not solid, consistent or strong in all areas. These restructuring proposals should put it on a more substantive footing nationally and help to secure its long term future.”
“The next step from this restructuring will be to draw synergies between other services including school transport and HSE/Health related transport to develop an integrated system that best utilizes the resources that already exist.”
“I am very aware from meeting users and the service providers of the huge benefits for the many users of the services in Kildare. For many it is more than a transport service but a social outlet and link to the outside world. Those benefits should be retained and fostered in the new system.”
“I would like to recognize and acknowledge the great services provided by South Kildare Community Transport (SKCT) and Offaly and Kildare Community Transport Ltd (OK Transport) to the people of Kildare. I look forward to working with both companies in the changeover to the new system and securing the future of rural transport on Co. Kildare” concluded Heydon.