AQW 33067/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 08/10/2025
Answered On Date: 22/10/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how the current transport policy is addressing public transport provision in East Londonderry, particularly in rural areas where services remain limited.
Answer:
The draft Transport Strategy sets out a new vision and strategic priorities for our transport system through to 2035 aiming to support economic growth, regional balance, and improved connectivity across both urban and rural areas. The public consultation closed at the end of September 2025, and officials are now analysing responses to help shape a system that meets the needs of all communities. In addition, East Derry is covered by two Local Transport Plans: The Northwest Transport Plan and the Causeway Coast and Glens Transport Plan. These transport plans are being developed in an integrated manner with each of the council’s Local Development Plans. For this reason, these plans are at very different stages in their development. My department is currently progressing Stage 1 of the Northwest Transport Plan (NWTP), which will guide future transport investment across the Northwest region. The Plan will identify proposals to address local transport issues, including local bus services, active travel, local road network and parking. It will provide most local detail in Derry and Strabane and this will be for the plan period up to 2035. A Baseline Report has been initially prepared to support the development of the NWTP. However, the Plans work is not sufficiently advanced at this stage to provide commentary on proposed transport measures. The Causeway Coast and Glens Transport Plan is currently at the earlier mobilisation phase and is not yet sufficiently advanced at this time. My Department provides funding to Translink to provide public transport services and facilities. This means creating a consistent customer experience for everyone, ensuring accessible public transport for people of all ages and abilities. Both the Translink website and App can provide transport options from any location, address or stop, urban and rural, where transport links exist. The website and app allow for address-to-address planning, park & ride planner and a bike it option. All major hospitals have public transport stop listings. My department also provides grant support for Dial-a-Lift, a member only rural door to destination transport service which improves access to local goods and services, helping people travel independently and connected to their local communities. Grant support is also provided to support the Disability Action Transport Scheme which is a member only urban door to destination transport service operating in Limavady and Coleraine. I have allocated an additional 26% in 2025/26 to support the rural Dial-a-Lift and urban Disability Action Transport schemes across all areas in the north. The level of funding was commensurate with the level of funding requested by those providing these services.
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