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KERRY Fianna Fáil TD, Norma Foley, says no measure should be off the table when it comes to grant aid to restart our economy.
She was responding to queries from bus and coach companies concerned about their futures following the impact of COVID-19 on their business.
Deputy Foley explained; “In recent weeks, I have been contacted by many bus and coach operators looking for light at the end of the tunnel. I am acutely aware of how important the bus and coach sector is, particularly here in Kerry, where thousands of tourists visit to experience what this great county has to offer. This year is like no other. There will be no International tourists, no day trips, no coach tours.
“We need to make sure that these operators can survive this year so that when the time comes, they can get their businesses back up and running again.
“The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme has been instrumental in protecting jobs and livelihoods and I believe it should be extended for each sector until such a time as restrictions have eased for that sector and businesses are able to reopen.
“Social distancing guidelines have huge ramifications for the viability of bus and coach operators. Specific grant supports must be put in place to make these measures possible for operators to implement.
In fact, a whole raft of supports must be urgently considered to support this sector including the possibility of setting up a Public Transport Recovery Task Force must also be examined. Bus and coach operators play a vital role in Kerry’s transport and tourism infrastructure. Their survival is essential as we seek to revive our local economy,” she concluded.
