Councillors revved up by bus proposals

MOYLE councillors have expressed differing opinions about proposed changes regarding the licensing of bus drivers.

A majority of councillors believe the proposals will have a big impact on organisations like North Antrim Community Transport and clubs and organisations who use their minibuses but other councillors said all bus drivers should be licensed to the same standard for the protection of the public.

Sinn Fein councillor Cara McShane proposed that Moyle Council rejects the Department of Environment's proposals to phase out the '10b permit system'.

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She said: "Such a proposal, if implemented, will have an adverse impact on the sustainability of community organisations and on the lives of vulnerable people who live in isolated rural areas'.

She said north Antrim has one of the largest rural populations and also elderly populations and many groups use 'Community Transport' as the "lifeblood" of their organisation.

Cllr McShane said she recently attended a community consultation event on the proposals and she said "the anger was palpable".

She said there was criticism of the timing of the proposals being released in the middle of the summer.

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The response period has now been extended to later in September.

For those who need licences they will cost 700.

Independent councillor Seamus Blaney branded it a "stealth tax" and said the authorities had "tried to sneak this through in the summer holidays".

Ulster Unionist councillor Helen Harding said she was glad the consultation period has been extended and Cllr Oliver McMullan (Sinn Fein) said the new legislation could have an impact on groups like the Gateway Club which could restrict the ability of individuals to get out and meet people.

He said the 'doing away' of such bus services would be "one of the biggest tragedies to hit our community".

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Cllr Cara McShane said that if a Community Transport bus could not be used to take a hurling team to say Belfast it will mean ten cars on the road instead and said the proposals "stink" of the government trying to raise revenue.

Cllr Paudie McShane (Independent), said the proposals are "disappointing".

Cllr Cathal Newcombe (Sinn Fein), said most volunteer drivers say they will only do it for a year and he said the payment system is unfair on such people.

But other councillors said it is only right that if people are going to drive mini-buses that they should be as well trained and licensed as professional drivers.

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Independent councillor Randal McDonnell said: "I don't think it is right that anybody driving a bus should be less qualified than a commercial driver. The vulnerable, elderly and children are going in these buses and they are entitled to the same standard.

"I think the legislation is well based on safety grounds," although he said the cost of the licences does need to be dealt with.

DUP councillor David McAllister agreed that safety is important for all people and he asked: "How do you put a price on life?"

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