PRESS RELEASE

DATE: 30 October 2009
SOURCE: Irish Rural Link

Irish Rural Link (IRL) – the national network campaigning for sustainable rural communities-  has welcomed Minister Dempsey’s Road Traffic Bill published today saying that maintaining the current regime will not free anyone from the scourge of rural isolation.

Irish Rural Link Chief Executive Seamus Boland said “any measures which make driving safer cannot be opposed. We regard safety as a number one priority, and safety means drinking and driving are not compatible. We agree with Minister Dempsey’s proposals, which are in tune with international limits.”

Mr. Boland continued “Keeping the current limits will not save a single pub from closure and will not  free people from the scourge of rural isolation. What we need in order to tackle rural isolation is  an  opportunity for rural communities, vintners and the Government to sit down together and have a meaningful discussion regarding the problems facing rural pubs and community services We must work to improve rural transport and community supports in rural areas. We must also investigate providing pubs which purchase a 'transport' vehicle for patrons with a VRT rebate. Some incentive be provided for local transport companies to provide such a service also”.

For further information, please contact (anytime):

Seamus Boland (Chief Executive) 090 6482744 / 086 249 1153

Seán O’Leary (Policy and Communications Officer) 090 6482744 / 083 3339364