Bandon public urged to use new bus

BANDON people are being urged to support a pilot shuttle bus service that launched in the town earlier this month to show that there is a need for it on a permanent basis.

‘We are optimistic that our pilot project will be used by all, but most especially older citizens, which will allow people to come out safely and conduct their affairs,’ said Carol Crean, PRO of Age Friendly Bandon.

Having only formed in June, Age Friendly Bandon conducted several studies and interviews with elderly people in the community who highlighted their concerns about accessibility, inclusion, isolation and quality of life.

Age Friendly Bandon highlighted several issues including disabled parking, footpath conditions and public toilet issues to local Cork County officials at a recent meeting and are working on short medium and long term plans for improvement.

Mary O’Brien, chairperson of Age Friendly Bandon added: ‘The lack of a footbridge has posed serious problems for people in Bandon’s northside who now have longer to walk as well as dealing with poor footpath surfaces and a lot of obstacles like bins and poor car parking practices on North Main Street.’

She added: ‘Our survey did indicate that people from other parts of the town felt that one of the things that would improve their quality of life would be access to a shuttle bus service. 

‘Our committee will be working with all groups to advocate age friendliness in Bandon and on this project we felt the best way to show the need was to actually roll out the project.’ The shuttle bus service will be available on Tuesdays Thursdays and Fridays for a four-week trial and will service the north of the town as well as east and west of the south side of town. Timetables are available at the Post Office, St Michael’s Centre and at all pharmacies in Bandon. The cost of a return journey is €3 and a one way journey is €2.

For more details on the pilot scheme contact Murphy Cabs on 023-8844444 or email [email protected] or check their Facebook page ‘Age Friendly Bandon.’