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IRL urge Dáil to back Road Traffic Bill in final stage discussion |
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Written by IRL Communications
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Tuesday, 06 July 2010 |
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Irish Rural Link – the national network campaigning for sustainable rural communities – has urged the Dáil to support the Road Traffic Bill 2009 in its final stage discussion tomorrow (Wednesday 7th July) so all stakeholders can begin examining real solutions to rural isolation and the loss of rural services once and for all.
Irish Rural Link Chief Executive Seamus Boland reiterated the organisation’s support for the Bill, saying “Keeping our blood alcohol limit high and not testing at the scene of a collision will not save a single rural pub from closure or solve rural isolation. However this Bill will save lives. Every rural community has had to come to terms with the devastation of losing men on the roads and any measures which will make our roads safer cannot be opposed. Recent surveys show how little tolerance of drink driving there is. The majority of fatal collisions occur on rural roads and alcohol is a factor in a third of fatal crashes.”
Mr Boland called for the creation of a Rural Transport Taskforce to address issues around rural isolation and pub closures saying, “We require a rural transport taskforce to come together and solve our rural transport deficit once and for all. Rural publicans must pursue opportunities to offer transport in conjunction with their communities. Providing local transport that can be used by the entire community will do more for pubs and rural businesses than keeping dangerously high blood alcohol limits ever could.”
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For further information: Seamus Boland (086 2491153) or Sean O'Leary (083-3339364) |
