Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has helped drive the success of two local transport providers connecting people and communities.
The Council’s partnership with the voluntary sector helped pave the way for Down Community Transport and Newry and Mourne Community Transport to secure £200,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by the Strategic Stakeholder Forum, to each purchase a new mini bus and employ an additional driver to meet a growing demand for services.
The additional minibuses have not only had a positive impact on drivers and staff, but individuals and community groups. Over the past year, the transport providers carried almost 11,000 passengers on nearly 3,400 journeys, helping address social isolation and enhance community well-being.
Together, they employ 16 drivers, have 19 mini buses and a number of volunteer drivers, making a positive difference in people’s lives and ensuring they can remain active in their respective communities by getting out and about, with the Dial-A-Lift (DAL) service assisting those who find it challenging to access public transport.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Community transport providers play an invaluable role, particularly at the heart of rural communities. For many with mobility needs, the community transport service is a lifeline.
“The organisations have faced significant funding pressures in the past and I am delighted the service is going from strength to strength. Transporting almost 11,000 passengers in a year shows the reliance people place on this invaluable service which is staffed by committed individuals, providing access for a wide group of people including the elderly, those with disabilities, Special Education Needs and community group members.”
The Council Chairperson added: “Community transport providers are making a positive difference across Newry, Mourne and Down and an important contribution to people’s overall health and wellbeing, with their staff among the many unsung heroes who work across our district.”
Down Community Transport manager, Sheileen Brady, has thanked Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for its support and funding provided through the SSF.
“This investment has made a genuine and measurable difference across the district. The funding has enabled both organisations to introduce two new accessible buses, strengthen DAL and group hire services and respond to growing community demand,” she said.
“The funding has enabled fleet modernisation and the recruitment of an additional driver, increasing our teams to 16 drivers and expanding our fleet to 19 buses. This has improved reliability, comfort, safety, and service flexibility while creating local employment. The impact goes far beyond transport alone, with the buses reducing isolation, increasing independence, and strengthening community wellbeing.”
Newry and Mourne Community Transport chief executive, Stephen Yeomans, said the funding it received had an exceptionally positive impact on the organisation and many individuals and community groups across the Council area.
“The additional finance has enabled us to deliver affordable and accessible transport, reducing social isolation and allowing more people with mobility needs to participate in social, recreational and community services,” he said.
“The funding has allowed us to modernise our ageing fleet. With a dependable vehicle and additional driver, we have been able to extend our services, respond more flexibly to community need and support increased volunteering and partnership working.”
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