Age coordinator welcomes bus initiative

WEXFORD’S AGE Action Coordinator has welcomed the new measure aimed at giving older people in rural areas access to socialising through the introduction of a new ‘drink link’ bus scheme.

Speaking to this newspaper about the initiative Ann Marie Laffan (pictured right) said the new dedicated transport link could prove very beneficial for people living in isolated rural areas.

‘It’s a great idea and I certainly think it’s something that is to be welcomed because there are people living in isolated areas who experience isolation and loneliness and anything that combats that is to be welcomed,’ she said.

Under the scheme 50 new routes will be introduced across 19 counties in a similar manner to the existing rural bus link initiative which has proven to be very successful in County Wexford.

While the initial phase of the scheme will be introduced as a pilot measure if it’s successful it’s likely that a push will be made to have it expanded nationwide depending on funding. A significant aspect of the scheme will be that travel pass holders and pensioners will get to travel free-of-charge and it will run until 11 pm at weekends.

Ms Laffan welcomed the fact that County Wexford will have the most routes in the country.