Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism & Sport to discuss the topic of Rural Transport

Representatives from the National Transport Authority, the Taxi Dispatch Operator Representative Association (TDORA), Taxi Alliance Ireland and the National Private Hire Taxi Association will come before the Committee to give their insight on rural taxis and transport.

Ahead of the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Committee Chairman Fergus O’Dowd TD, said: “The Committee is eager examine the issues facing us in relation to Rural Transport, the challenges and the opportunities, and the input of Wednesday’s witnesses is central to our work.

“With that in mind, all members of the Committee very much welcome the opportunity to hear from the witnesses, including the Taxi Dispatch Operator Representative Association (TDORA) which represents Taxi Companies, and has members in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

“Rural Transport impacts on many areas of life across Ireland, and good initiatives potentially benefits many people, including people who are elderly who may no longer be able to drive, people with reduced mobility, and people with low incomes who do not own a car.”

Furthermore, there are others who stand to benefit from progressive public transport services in rural areas, including people who want to drink alcohol and wish to comply with the drink driving laws, and who need transport to get from their home to and from their village.

Deputy O’Dowd added: “We look forward to learning about innovative proposals that can provide a solution to the transport challenges being experienced in Irish rural areas, and keep people and communities connected.

“We as a country need to find a better way to meet the needs of people, and to that end the knowledge, experience and policy insight which the National Transport Authority will bring on Wednesday is hugely welcomed.”

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachtas-tv/cr4-live/

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.