A Cross Border Rural Community Transport Project has been established in line with a decision of the North South Ministerial Council.

The principal objective of the pilot exercise is to examine the potential for rural Cross Border community based transport initiatives to address social exclusion arising from unmet transport needs.

The project is funded by both Governments through their Rural Transport Programmes in conjunction with Department of Transport (DOT) in the South and Department of Rural Development (DRD) in the North. The project steering group comprises of representatives from both Departments, Pobal, Fermanagh and South Tyrone Rural Transport (FAST) and Rural Lift (Leitrim/West Cavan.)

The transport will be provided through a network of Social Volunteer Car Drivers, Private Operators and the two Rural Community Transport Groups.

The pilot area stretches 75 miles from Pettigo on the Donegal/Fermanagh border through to Clones and Roslea on the Monaghan/ Fermanagh border incorporating parts of Leitrim, West Cavan and all of Fermanagh.

A spokesperson explained a lack of access to public and private services, facilities and places of work was a major issue for rural communities, one that actively contributed to social exclusion and physical isolation.

As a result, the project aims to provide transport from North to South and, alternatively South to North within the geographical confines of the pilot area.

Examples of reasons for travel are, Health Appointments, Post Office, Bank, Training, Education facilities, Transport to and from Day Care Centres, Legal Appointments, Social or Recreational Activities

For information on the Project call: 686 28958 (North), 071 9643933 (South) Or email : bgoodwin70@btconnect.com