AQW 10034/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 10/11/2020
Answered On Date: 23/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what steps her Department is taking to protect and maintain rural community transport services.

Answer:

I recognise the important role that community transport plays and for that reason I have taken a number of steps to support Rural Community Transport Providers (RCTPs) during the COVID-19 response period. This included maintaining their grant funding for 2020 – 21 at 2019 - 20 levels, authorising the early release of 2019/20 retentions, along with Minister Poots, continued payment of Assisted Rural Travel Scheme and allocated £49k to the RCTPs to help cover costs of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The period ahead will continue to be challenging, and I will continue to work collaboratively and innovatively in an effort to support and help ensure the long term viability of these organisations. I will do this reflecting on my priorities, the commitments in “New Decade: New Approach” and the budget available to me for the period ahead.