Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, and Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, have today granted approval to permit Blood Bikes Medical Transport to use the bus lane network while carrying out their vital services.
Blood Bike groups use vehicles to rapidly transport medical and clinical items to and from healthcare facilities. This voluntary service reduces demand on alternative transport methods such as ambulances or private operators.
Today’s decision means that Blood Bikes can now use the bus lane network, enabling them to bypass traffic congestion and reduce transit times for collections and deliveries.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said:
“Blood Bikes Medical Transport volunteers provide a crucial health service, and I have had several meetings with them to learn more about the work they do. I am delighted that Blood Bike volunteers can now transport vital medical supplies between hospitals and patients across the country even more quickly and efficiently, which will bring reassurance to everyone involved.
“I thank them all for their continued service to our communities.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said: “I welcome today’s decision to allow access for Blood Bikes to bus lanes, further supporting them to carry out their indispensable support to our health service.
“Blood Bike volunteers respond to almost 6,000 calls each year and their work contributes to the health and wellbeing of countless patients and their families. They also bring huge benefit to staff in our hospitals, medical centres, nursing homes and other healthcare settings.
I too would like to take this opportunity to thank the Blood Bike volunteers for the work they do, free of charge, with great professionalism and unwavering dedication. I had the privilege of meeting some of the volunteers in Galway last year and I am delighted to be able to assist in this very important work.”