Transport project to benefit rural communities

back

Support Global Action on Aging!

Transport project to benefit rural communities

Down Democrat, May 6, 2003

Rural communities across Down (UK) are to benefit from a new transport scheme.

The Rural Transport Initiative has been funded by the Rural Development Council through the European Union Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme.

An investment of £500, 000 was allocated to nine areas in Northern Ireland for projects which will provide "accessible and affordable public transport options in rural communities".

In the Down area, Accessible Community Travel Services (ACTS) was awarded over £50,000 towards its project 'Age Concern Travel Services Rural Routes'.

The project entails the provision of a door to door 'dial-a-ride' transport service.

This will be delivered through an eight-seater MPV minibus and two part-time drivers who will provide a more accessible service to the disabled and elderly.

The intention of the project is also to provide a feeder service being piloted between Newcastle and Belfast via Translink.

The Rural Transport Initiative was unveiled at a special conference in Loughery College, Cookstown last Wednesday.

Chief Executive of the Rural Development Council Martin McDonald said the RDC was pleased to put in place the scheme.

"This service will be available in nine areas initially and I am confident this will make a difference to people previously disadvantaged and unable to move freely within their local communities," he said.

"This service represents social inclusion in action - young people in search of training and employment opportunities, elderly people previously unable to travel in their local areas and disabled people denied freedom of movement - all can now benefit from this new project."

Marcella Laverty, Manager of Down District Accessible Transport, helped launch the transport initiative.

Welcoming its introduction, she said, "We are delighted to be able to offer a local transport service to the people of County Down.

"The Partnership established with the Rural Development Council has been of enormous benefit to Down District Accessible Transport and we are pleased to be able to make a real difference to the people on the ground."

The initiative was launched at the same time of the RDC's 'Services in Rural Northern Ireland Report' which highlighted difficulties faced by the rural community in Northern Ireland.

The report examined in detail three particular areas of concern for the rural community:- access to transport, access to ATM machines, access to general retail outlets and access to waste management services.

The RDC Chief Executive said: "We have concentrated on these three because it was clear to the Council these were of real and pressing concern.

"Our conclusion is that in each service area, the rural community of Northern Ireland is significantly disadvantaged.

"There is a duty on policy formers from across relevant government departments as well as non government bodies and the private sector to work together to address these issues.

"The rural community has as much right to access vital services as anyone else in Northern Ireland."