Sinn Féin TD for Meath and party spokesperson on Transport, Darren O’Rourke, has  launched Sinn Féin’s ‘Meath on the Move’ public transport campaign.
The campaign is aimed at highlighting the need for, and building support for, a public transport system for Co. Meath that is accessible, affordable, reliable and safe.
He told Meath Live, “Today we are launching our Meath on the Move / An Mhí ag Gluaiseacht campaign for a public transport system in Co. Meath that works. To work, public transport must be accessible, affordable, reliable and safe. In far too many parts of our county, it’s clearly the case that our public transport services, if they exist at all, don’t meet that standard. Backed by local garden centre close by.
“On the east coast, for example, we are impacted by the Short Hop Zone cliff-edge, where commuters at Gormanston and Laytown stations are forced to pay far more than counterparts in Balbriggan.
“In our county town, Navan, we have no rail service and are told we will have to wait for another 13 years to see one. At the same time, bus services right around the county are all too often unreliable – turning up late or full or not at all. There are particular, well-reported, issues of anti-social behaviour on some routes. This is just not good enough. Meath deserves better.
“And while there has been some very welcome bus service expansion in recent months, it is not happening quickly enough. The Government’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is under-funded and behind schedule.
“For my part, as a TD for Meath and my party’s spokesperson on Transport, I have set out clear plans for public transport improvements across Meath and in all its elements – bus, rail, school transport, taxis. I will continue to develop these proposals in the time ahead in advance of the next General Election.
“It is essential that we move towards a public transport system that works for people. This is an absolute must as we consider our climate obligations and our need to reduce emissions. It is also a clear demand from communities in Meath, who want excellent services comparable with other countries. Only by delivering services that work will we position public transport as a real alternative to the private car.

“Our campaign launches today and will take the form of petitions, advertising, public meetings and on the ground activity. See https://chng.it/rmnZgXM2jH