The Minister for Transport says he’s forging ahead with legislation that will ensure all drivers found guilty of drink-driving will be disqualified – rather than receiving penalty points.

However, he says he recognises the problems this poses for people in rural Ireland in getting to and from the pub, and agrees there is an issue of social isolation in rural areas.

Minister Shane Ross met yesterday with key stakeholders representing rural Ireland and trans port groups – including the IFA, ICMSA, ICA, Irish Rural Link, Vintners representatives, the National Transport Authority, agricultural contractors and Insurance Ireland.

The meeting was convened in response to issues raised following the publication of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2017 which would ensure drivers found guilty of drink-driving are disqualified.

Concerns were raised over the impact this would have on social life in rural Ireland.

Minister Ross says he does accept there is an issue of social isolation in rural areas, and says he convened yesterday’s meeting of rural and transport group to explore the issues and look creatively at possible solutions to promote better and safe access to social life for people living in rural Ireland.