Community transport funding boost a 'positive step'

Noeleen Lynch says the service is vital, particularly for those in rural areas, as well as older and disabled people

The announcement that community transport providers will get a funding increase of 4.2% has been described as a "positive step".

Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd made the announcement on Monday.

He confirmed the funding rise for Dial-a-Lift, Disability Action Transport Scheme and Shopmobility, based on levels awarded in 2023-24.

The additional funding has been provided to support the groups in covering rising costs, particularly staff costs.

O'Dowd has also committed to maintaining this level of funding in 2025-26, subject to allocation of funds to the Department for Infrastructure.

'Significant increase'

Funding has been provided to support groups to cover rising costs - stock image

About 40% of people in Northern Ireland live in rural areas and many rely on community transport to allow them to leave their homes because of a lack of public transport nearby.

Noeleen Lynch, from the Community Transport Association said the boost was a "significant recognition of the vital role community transport plays in supporting vulnerable individuals across Northern Ireland."

She said the sector had faced "turbulence" in recent years.

“Rising costs, particularly in staff wages and operational expenses, have placed increasing pressure on community transport providers," she said.

However, while she said the funding was a positive step toward alleviating some of these challenges that "further action is needed to secure long-term financial sustainability that reflects the evolving needs of our communities.”

"While this increase may not fully address all financial challenges, it is a meaningful recognition of the value these services bring to society and a step toward ensuring fairer pay for the dedicated staff who work in the sector.”

'Help alleviate some of the pressures'

O’Dowd said the rise is "not as much as [he] would like to provide," but added that it is "certainly a significant increase", along with the commitment to maintain the funding into 2025-26.

“I hope this will help alleviate some of the pressures faced by service providers and support the workers in receiving a proper pay rise,” he said.

O'Dowd described community transport as "a valuable frontline service", adding that he appreciates "the important role it plays in connecting people and complementing the wider public transport network".

He said: "Community transport ensures that some of the most vulnerable people in our society are able to access essential local services and more actively participate in society."

O'Dowd had previously committed to protecting community transport funding despite financial challenges for the department and has met with representatives from all parts of the community transport sector.

In a letter to transport providers, the minister said the rise was possible following the examination of an Equality Impact Assessment of the 2024-25 budget in conjunction with the June monitoring round, in which spending and priorities were reviewed.