DfI Minister thanks Armagh Rural Transport for connecting people
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has thanked a community transport provider for its commitment to connecting people across the wider Armagh area.
The Minister committed additional funding for the Community Transport sector to protect this valuable transport service as part of the budget for this financial year.
Minister Kimmins visited Armagh Rural Transport (ART) ahead of Community Transport week, which will run from October 13-18. This is one of a series of visits by the Minister in recognition of their important role providers play connecting people and communities through affordable and accessible transport.
ART, which recently celebrated 25 years of providing local transport services, offer the rural Dial-a-Lift transport service to those who live in rural areas outside of Armagh city and the urban Disability Action Transport Scheme to those who live in Armagh city.
Minister Kimmins said:
“Community transport services are a valuable life-line for many in local communities and I am delighted to see first-hand the important role Armagh Rural Transport plays in reducing social isolation by improving access to services, facilitating independence and vital connections and allowing people to contribute to local communities.
“Since becoming Minister, I have focused on ensuring that people are at the heart of everything we do. Infrastructure brings real and positive change to the lives of people right across the North and community transport is a powerful demonstration of that, which is why I increased funding from my department to allow operators to deliver these vital services in 2025/26.”
“Community transport services can be the only transport option for some and without the services of providers like ART, vulnerable groups in our communities would find it difficult to access goods and services and to remain connected.”
Joanne Curran from ART said:
“We are delighted to welcome Minister Kimmins here today so she can see first-hand the important role our organisation plays in our community.
“Community transport connects people by providing access to services and encouraging continued independence when other forms of transport are not an option”.
“We delivered 7,737 trips in the Armagh area in 2024/25, many of those trips were particularly helpful connections for our rural communities. We welcome the recent funding increase by the Minister’s department that allows us to continue to provide this valuable service connecting communities.”
“It is wonderful that the Minister has visited to hear of the value and significance those trips and connections have made.”
Notes to editors:
- Caption: Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins thanks Armagh Rural Transport (ART) for its work connecting people across the wider Armagh area ahead of Community Transport week
- DfI allocated more than £1m of additional funding to community transport providers for the 2025-26 financial year
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