Kilkenny to host Europe’s Rural Mobility Future: Setting Standards conference
The conference aims to set standards for rural public transport and improve access to mobility for EU citizens living in rural areas, with around 30% of EU citizens relying on it
Improving rural transport is the theme of a conference, Europe’s Rural Mobility Future: Setting Standards set to take place in Kilkenny this week, from October 27-29.
The event has drawn around 100 delegates from Ireland and across continental Europe, including speakers from transport ministries and transport authorities.
Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and Anne Shaw, CEO of the National Transport Authority, are among the speakers at the conference, which is hosted by the European Rural Mobility Network, MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú of Renew Europe, and Kilkenny LEADER Partnership.
“Better rural public transport is a vital tool for regional development, tourism, rural businesses and social inclusion, while also helping Europe meet its climate objectives,” says Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.
“Around 30% of EU citizens live in rural areas and they need access to a reliable level of mobility. I’m delighted the conference has drawn from experiences across Europe and that we’re being joined by Anne Shaw of the NTA, and Minister Chambers.”
Topics for discussion at the conference include accessing finance, seasonal shuttle services, and establishing mobility service standards.
“Service standards are a key part of our discussions, “says Andrea Lorenzeni, President of the European Rural Mobility Network. “Look at the standards established in other domains such as broadband and essential services. That’s what we need for transport. So, the conference is looking at what those standards should be and how they can be implemented.”
MEP Ní Mhurchú has also been pushing the issue of service standards through her work on the Committee for Sustainable Transport and Tourism at the European Parliament. In January she put forward a proposal for an EU funded pilot project examining the potential for a minimum standard of transport service provision in rural areas and has also proposed commissioning a report to the TRAN Committee to comparing how minimum levels of rural mobility provision, accessibility and financing are currently addressed across all Member States and regions.
“We need to impress on policy makers the value of regular transport services,” says Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEDER Partnership, which is a member of the European Rural Mobility Network.
“In the past 18 months, KLP has conducted research on bus routes in both the Lingaun Valley and the Barrow Valley. Our aim is to develop a body of research on passenger numbers in these rural areas. Both services were extremely popular and gave residents a great sense of independence, as well as drawing tourists into the areas.”