PROPOSED CUTS to Bus Eireann routes in Roscommon have been described as “another attack on rural Ireland” and a “blow to communities”. The company is making sweeping changes to routes serving swathes of the country, with 198 services each day being halved to just 105 in the affected areas. The Athlone to Westport route is under threat, which could mean that Kiltoom, Knockcroghery, Ballymurray, Roscommon and Castlerea could be left without a direct service to Westport under the changes. Bus Éireann said a “use it or lose it” warning had been issued last year, but it is understood passenger numbers have not grown in response. A spokeswoman for the company said that a decision would be made in the coming months in relation to cuts to the route and encouraged people to use the service to show that the need was there. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice has reacted angrily to the news and said that he would raise it in the Dail at the first available opportunity. “I am calling on the company and the Minister to rethink this decision which is another attack on rural Ireland,” he said.