Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Pádraig Ó hAoláin, launched the new 3 year programme for ‘BEALACH’. BEALACH, who are based in Carna, oversee the Rural Transport Programme in Conamara and Árann.
BEALACH provide a rural transport service for people living in remote areas in Conamara and County Galway. BEALACH’s objective is to supply transport for the community to local services and to connect with regional public bus services.
During the launch of the new 3 year programme for BEALACH, Pádraig Ó hAoláin praised the management committee of BEALACH for the essential service they provide since their establishment in 2002. “BEALACH plays a central social role in the communities in which these transport services are available. BEALACH supplies an important service to both young and old, and to people who live in isolated communities as a result of the lack of transport services available to them. BEALACH ensures access to local essential services such as shops, post offices, doctors, hospitals and social amenities. This service enhances the lives of many people as well as helping the local economy”.
“I praise the excellent work being carried out by this organisation in recognising the requirements both within and outside of their locality and is forward thinking in producing a 3 year strategy plan and in sourcing the extra funding needed in order to make these services available in such challenging times”.
Morgan Ó Conchubhair, Chairman of BEALACH, said that the organisation recognised the need to expand its services in the community and to cover a wider area to include East Galway. He thanked Pobal for making funding available. He said that the service supplied by BEALACH to remote areas of the county will be essential in the challenging times that lie ahead.