Fears on how the loss of the bus service between Baltimore and Skibbereen will impact island communities and tourism in west Cork.
Up to 15 percent of Bus Éireann local services around the country are to be reduced or withdrawn due to a fall in passenger numbers. One route in danger of being axed runs between Baltimore in west Cork and Skibbereen.
For student William Norris, the first stage of his school run sees him taking the ferry from Sherkin Island to Baltimore. The next leg of his journey is the public bus. The Bus Éireann 251 route is the only way for children from Sherkin Island, Cape Clear and Baltimore to get to secondary school in nearby Skibbereen.
William Norris and student Cillian Cotter both stress the importance of the bus service to the island community, particularly for pensioners and people who do not drive. Student Aisling Ryan stresses the importance of the bus service for tourism in the area.
You see lots of tourists using the service, especially in summer months which is great for Baltimore because it's the only service bus that brings them down to the village.
Tom Bushe of Bushe's Bar in Baltimore also worries the loss of the bus service will hurt tourism in the region.
We need every tourist we can get into the area.
While the islanders and residents of Baltimore are anxious for their bus service to be saved, Bus Éireann says the number of people using the service makes it economically unviable. Bus Éireann public relations manager Andrew McLindon says the passenger fares do not even cover bus fuel let alone drivers’ wages.
Sherkin Island Development Society chairperson Dan Reilly believes Bus Éireann has a public service duty and should not solely focus on profit,
There's a social service here that needs to be addressed.
Since the Baltimore rail link was closed in 1961, the bus has been the only public transport link for the islanders of Sherkin and Cape Clear. If the service is withdrawn, they will become more isolated than ever.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 June 2009. The reporter is Anne-Marie Green.
