A motion to be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday will propose the establishment of a community-run service in rural areas. The initiative has been promoted by Galway East TD Joe Callanan. "I am proposing an innovative bus service to save the rural pub before it becomes extinct, " Callanan said.

The introduction of stricter drink-driving regulations has led to transport difficulties in rural areas. Callanan's suggestion has significant support from many rural Fianna Fáil TDs although transport minister Martin Cullen is known to be unwilling to fund a new service from his departmental budget.

"This is not an initiative to boost the sale of alcohol, " Callanan said. "The local rural pub is an important social meeting point and for many of my constituents, particularly the elderly, they would have gone to their local pub to play cards and for other cultural events that are a vital fabric of rural Ireland."

Rural affairs minister Eamon �? Cuív is working on proposals for a scheme along the lines suggested by Callanan, although it remains unclear what funding would be available. Callanan wants money provided from the Euro9m rural transport initiative to help those running the new service to purchase buses and people-carrier vehicles.

The ongoing costs would be covered from fares and contributions from local pubs.