O’Dowd visits Disability Action to see first-hand the valuable services they provide

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has visited Disability Action to hear more about the services they provide and to see first-hand how their new electric bus, funded by the Department, is delivering for the local community.

The Minister also had the opportunity to take a short drive on the electric bus and visit their mobility centre where he had a lesson in the mobility car with a qualified instructor.

Minister O’Dowd said:

“I was delighted to visit Disability Action today to hear more about the vital services they provide.  In particular I want to acknowledge the importance of the Disability Action Transport Scheme for people with disabilities, older people or those who find it difficult using public transport in urban locations.  I am pleased my Department has been able to provide £2.1million funding to support the scheme in the current financial year.   

“My Department also provided £75,000 of funding for their new electric vehicle as part of a Blue/Green infrastructure pilot project.  I am glad to see the vehicle is operational and benefitting people around Belfast.

“It was also great to see the excellent work carried out by the qualified staff in the Mobility Centre.  The Centre provides assistance with all aspects of driving, from practical and theory tests to information and advice and this in turn helps give independence to those with mobility issues.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Disability Action is one of 6 Community Transport operators who have received a new electric bus.
2. The Disability Action Transport Scheme is a specialised transport service for people with a disability or those aged over 80 living in urban areas. 
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk .
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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