Public transport in Meath is not fit for purpose for commuting, for workers, students, shoppers, or for those seeking medical treatments or socialising’, Eilish Balfe told the Labour Party’s Annual Conference on 23rd March in Dublin.
Eilish Balfe is the Labour Party’s Candidate in the Ratoath Local Electoral Area for the 7th June local elections.
‘Census 2022 results show that Meath was one of the fastest growing counties in the country with the population growing by 13 per cent in six years.’
‘In 2022, Ratoath’s population had almost doubled in 20 years to near 12,000. Despite this growth, transport quality is still similar to levels experienced in the mid to late 90s when Ratoath was seen as a rural village.’
‘Ratoath and surrounding towns were seen as the new suburbs developing around Dublin. However, Government policy directly related to transport for this area neglected to match the growth of Meath East towns and the inadequacy of the bus service stretches from Ratoath right up to Navan and beyond. Meath is often referred to as a commuter county to Dublin but yet it fails to deliver decent public transport such as a rail service or a consistent bus service.’
‘Government policy should not compound the urban and rural divide when it comes to transport services but we have towns in Meath especially in our rural areas that have no bus service at all.’
‘There is practically no public transport between towns and villages in Meath and commuters having to take to their cars just to drive to the nearest village to access links to Dublin and surrounding areas.’
‘I have received a long list of detailed submissions from residents of Meath East who are frustrated about the lack of reliable transport and despite the NTA acknowledging challenges and a poor standard over the years nothing has improved and there has been no strong political will to improve the situation.’
Eilish Balfe pictured above at the recent Labour Conference and here with her party leader Ivana Bacik
‘Good public transport is not just about getting from A to B. It’s about social inclusion and it plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion in several ways
1) Accessibility: Public transport should ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities or limited mobility, can access essential services. However, on our public transport a wheelchair user must give 24 hours’ notice taking away any spontaneity in their life.
2) Affordability and Environmental Sustainability: The Labour party has increasingly called for a 9 euro a month ticket to reduce the reliance on private vehicles and to help mitigate environmental pollution and climate change, creating a more sustainable and liveable environment.
3) Reducing Social Isolation: For people who don’t have access to private vehicles, public transport provides a means to connect with their communities, reducing social isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. Fostering independence in our or teenagers and young adults so they are not depended on parents. For our older persons so they can fully participate in society without depending on family members to access essential services. However, this will only be fully realised when all rural communities are served by local links or served by extending existing bus services routes.
‘Public Policy plays an important role in this and I call on conference today to support a direct route from Ratoath to Dublin, a feeder bus to the M3 train station, extend existing bus routes so the rural parts of Meath East can access this essential service, more local links between towns/villages and to build support for, a public transport system for Co. Meath that is accessible, affordable, reliable and safe. In essence, good public transport not only facilitates physical movement but also serves as a cornerstone for building inclusive and vibrant communities.”
