*Photograph: Martin Connolly

Accessibility must be given greater priority in the awarding of contracts for rural transport services.

This view was put forward by Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) to Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte (FF) at a meeting hosted by Clare Leader Forum.

Deputy McNamara outlined, “I informed the Minister that since the tender process was carried out for nine local transport routes in Clare, some of the vehicles providing the service are not accessible while some vehicles acquired by Clare Assessable Transport through fundraising and exchequer funding lie idle”.

He felt the present process put more emphasis on cost rather than individuals. “The current tendering criteria appear to be about saving money from one state budget line without having any regard for the impact on individuals, rural communities or even the wider implications for the exchequer. While the Minister and her Department are making some progress, we seem to be moving backwards in some areas, notably ensuring universal access to rural transport services”.

Intervention from the Junior Minister was sought by the Scariff native who called on the National Transport Authority (NTA) “to ensure greater weighting be given to accessibility in future tender processes”.

Related News

niall gilligan 1
Gilligan whacked boy (12) on the leg with stick during assault - jury hears as State lays out case against ex Clare hurler
leonard cleary 1
€60m investment approved for capital projects in Galway City
lahinch beach 1
Red flag raised at Lahinch & bathing prohibition issued
michael keane 3
'You wouldn't be able to make a living as a publican with a young family today' - Keane

Advertisement

Latest News
kilmurry ibrickane v st josephs miltown 28-09-24 darragh sexton 1
Bricks are building but championship aspirations still a solid foundation
niall gilligan 1
Gilligan whacked boy (12) on the leg with stick during assault - jury hears as State lays out case against ex Clare hurler
leonard cleary 1
€60m investment approved for capital projects in Galway City
st josephs miltown v doonbeg 16-08-24 jason linnane 1
Doonbeg daring to end long wait to return to knockout stages
lahinch beach 1
Red flag raised at Lahinch & bathing prohibition issued
Premium
st josephs miltown v doonbeg 16-08-24 jason linnane 1
Doonbeg daring to end long wait to return to knockout stages
doora barefield v lissycasey 30-11-24 fionn kelleher 1
Doora/Barefield determined to go as far as they can in shake-up for honours
kilmurry ibrickane v cratloe 12-10-24 sean collins 1
Still plenty of life in Cratloe's footballers to challenge for honours
michael keane 3
'You wouldn't be able to make a living as a publican with a young family today' - Keane
dunnes ennis 1
Clare man charged with assault of retired judge faces further charge of stealing beer cans

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement