Infrastructure Minister has congratulated Armagh Rural
Transport (ART) on 25 years of service to the local
community.
The Minister visited the ART headquarters in Armagh where she met
with management , volunteers and service users.
Armagh Rural Transport (ART) is an independent company limited by
guarantee and a registered charity which aims to connect
people and communities across the wider Armagh area, by providing
affordable and accessible transport to individuals and
groups. Services include the Dial-a-Lift scheme and
Disability Action Transport Scheme both of which are funded by
the Department for Infrastructure.
Minister Kimmins said:
“Community transport services are a lifeline to many in rural and
isolated areas and for those who are less able to travel
independently.
“Last year alone funding from my Department enabled ART to
undertake 7,735 trips and it was heartwarming to see and hear
first-hand the hard work and commitment of those involved in
delivering this valuable service ; from the staff, drivers,
volunteers, Trustees and, of course, service users.
“I have also recently issued an offer of increased funding for
2025/26 to allow ART to provide an enhanced level of service to
its users in the coming year.
“Without these services vulnerable groups in our communities
would find it difficult to access goods and services and remain
connected with friends and family.
“'Including People' is one of my Department's seven ‘Foundations
for a Better Future' and working with the community transport
sector, amongst others, represents our commitment
to improving the inclusiveness of our society and
putting people at the heart of everything we do.
“However, I also recognise the challenges and rising costs facing
the sector and today, and I am looking forward to the
introduction of multi-year budgets so we can continue to work
together to provide safe and dependable local transport to those
who need it most.
“I would like to congratulate and commend ART on reaching this
milestone 25th anniversary year and for their
continued support to the local community.”
ART Manager Joanne Curran said:
“I thank the minister for the increased funding for the year
2025/26 which will enable us to increase the level of service we
provide to the community and to those most in need, putting
people first at the heart of everything we do.”
Dermot Mooney , Chairperson of ART said:
“I feel that the meeting with the minister and her team went
well, and everyone got a chance to contribute and express their
views. The minister was very open to suggestions as to how
the service could be improved and we were very appreciative of
the ministers actions in increasing funding for the current year
and we appreciate her and her team taking the time to visit us in
celebrating our 25th Anniversary, in spite of a very
busy schedule. We look forward to increased co-operation
with DFI in the future which can only benefit the services ART
provides to its members.”
William Boyd whose 34-year-old son William regularly uses Armagh
Rural Transport said:
“This service brings William a real sense of independence – it
makes his world bigger. As a parent I have confidence in the
service as I find it reliable, safe and secure.”
Laura Malocca, a wheelchair user and regular traveller on Armagh
Rural Transport services for over 20 years said:
“I have been using these services for years – for going to work,
going to medical appointments, the gym or out to socialise and
see other people. The staff are always so friendly and I really
enjoy the trips and the independence it brings me.”
Notes to editors:
- The Department for Infrastructure directly funds 11 rural
community transport partnerships (RCTPs) to deliver Dial-a-Lift
(DAL) services and also provides funding for urban services
through the Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS).
