Infrastructure Minister has thanked a community
transport provider for its commitment to connecting people across
the wider Armagh area.
The Minister committed additional funding for the Community
Transport sector to protect this valuable transport service as
part of the budget for this financial year.
Minister Kimmins has visited Armagh Rural Transport (ART) ahead
of Community Transport week, which will run from October 13-18.
This was one of a series of visits by the Minister in recognition
of the important role providers play connecting people and
communities through affordable and accessible transport.
ART, which recently celebrated 25 years of providing local
transport services, offer the rural Dial-a-Lift transport service
to those who live in rural areas outside of Armagh city and the
urban Disability Action Transport Scheme to those who live in
Armagh city.
Minister Kimmins said: “Community transport services are
a valuable life-line for many in local communities and I am
delighted to see first-hand the important role Armagh Rural
Transport plays in reducing social isolation by improving access
to services, facilitating independence and vital connections and
allowing people to contribute to local
communities.
“Since becoming Minister, I have focused on ensuring that
people are at the heart of everything we do. Infrastructure
brings real and positive change to the lives of people right
across the North and community transport is a powerful
demonstration of that, which is why I increased funding from my
department to allow operators to deliver these vital services in
2025/26.
“Community transport services can be the only transport
option for some and without the services of providers like ART,
vulnerable groups in our communities would find it difficult to
access goods and services and to remain connected.”
Joanne Curran from ART said: “We are delighted to welcome
Minister Kimmins here today so she can see first-hand the
important role our organisation plays in our community.
“Community transport connects people by providing access to
services and encouraging continued independence when other forms
of transport are not an option.
“We delivered 7,737 trips in the Armagh area in 2024/25, many of
those trips were particularly helpful connections for our rural
communities. We welcome the recent funding increase by the
Minister's department that allows us to continue to provide this
valuable service connecting communities.
“It is wonderful that the Minister has visited to hear of the
value and significance those trips and connections have made.”
Note to editors:
- DfI allocated more than £1m of additional funding to
community transport providers for the 2025-26 financial year
