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Two local community transport providers have expanded their services after securing £200,000 in funding, with support from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Down Community Transport and Newry and Mourne Community Transport each received funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by the Strategic Stakeholder Forum, to purchase a new minibus and employ an additional driver. The Council's partnership with the voluntary sector was instrumental in helping both organisations secure the investment.
Between them, the two providers now employ 16 drivers, operate 19 minibuses and are supported by a number of volunteer drivers. Over the past year they carried almost 11,000 passengers on nearly 3,400 journeys, helping to address social isolation and support community wellbeing across the district. The Dial-A-Lift service continues to assist those who find it difficult to access public transport.
Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell welcomed the progress made by both organisations. "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."
Cllr Campbell said he was pleased to see the services continuing to grow despite previous funding pressures. "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."
Cllr Campbell 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 thanked the Council for its support. "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."
Brady said the benefits extended beyond transport. "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 had made an exceptionally positive impact on the organisation and the communities it serves. "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 added that the investment had also allowed the organisation to modernise its fleet and work more flexibly. "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."
For more information about the services check out downct.com or www.newrymournect.co.uk
