Mallon and Poots announce working partnership to provide transport for the most vulnerable in rural areas to Covid vaccination centres

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots have put measures in place to support isolated rural dwellers to access the COVID vaccine.

Community transport operators funded by the Department for Infrastructure to deliver the Dial-A-Lift service, will have the flexibility to transport both members and non-members to their nearest vaccination centre for their scheduled COVID vaccine. Dial-A-Lift services provide essential services for vulnerable people living in rural areas and are supported by the Assisted Rural Travel Scheme funded by the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs.

Minister Mallon said:

“Community Transport Operators have demonstrated admirable agility in transitioning their services to meet the needs of their communities during the COVID response period. They have consistently stepped up to play their part in connecting our rural communities and now they will be able to support those communities again by transporting those with a transport need to their local COVID vaccination appointment.

“At this critical time in the fight against COVID-19 I want to do all I can to support wider efforts and this is a small but important way that I can support those who are among our most vulnerable.

These are very difficult and worrying times.  I continue to ask everyone to play their part and to follow all the public health advice and guidance on travel, social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.  I will continue to play my part and work in partnership to find new solutions to the challenges our communities continue to face.”

Minister Poots said:

“I am pleased, through my Department’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme, to support the transport of vulnerable rural dwellers to vaccine appointments, and to cover the cost of these appointment journeys undertaken by those in possession of a valid SmartPass.

“I urge everyone to keep their scheduled appointment and avail of the vaccine.  The rollout of the vaccinations and adhering to the public health guidelines and restrictions is key to reducing the impact of Covid and will help us all return to normality as early as possible.”

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press at press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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