Menu
21/09/2001
Calls for increase in public transport investment
Northern Ireland must increase its investment in transport by £100 million per year – nearly half as much again as is currently planned - if it is to achieve a transportation system fit for the 21st century.
That was the message from Regional Development Minister, Gregory Campbell, speaking in the lead up to a major transportation conference in Belfast, to be held on 28 September.
Delegates representing a wide range of interests, including MLAs, local Councillors, and business and community representatives, will make a significant contribution to the Department for Regional Development’s efforts to publish a draft ten-year Regional Transportation Strategy in the autumn.
The Strategy has already come under criticism from local lobby group Transport 2000, who have said that the Executive has gone back on its promise to replace 178 of the oldest buses still being used on Ulster’s roads. Transport 2000 claims that the official pledge to replace the vehicles appeared in the draft version of the Executive’s Programme for Government, but has now been dropped from the final version of the publication, which states that only 25 buses will be replaced each year.
Mr Campbell said: "If transport funding carries on at the same levels as in recent years, then a bleak picture emerges in 2011.
"A lack of funding would mean no trains north of Ballymena or Whitehead, older buses and fewer of them, ever-deteriorating roads, more congestion and more social exclusion, especially for older people, people with disabilities and people in rural areas.
"Clearly, I believe the scenario painted, if we go on as we are, is totally unacceptable. We need to explore all potential sources of funding to secure the current railway network and improve our roads and public transport services." (CL)
That was the message from Regional Development Minister, Gregory Campbell, speaking in the lead up to a major transportation conference in Belfast, to be held on 28 September.
Delegates representing a wide range of interests, including MLAs, local Councillors, and business and community representatives, will make a significant contribution to the Department for Regional Development’s efforts to publish a draft ten-year Regional Transportation Strategy in the autumn.
The Strategy has already come under criticism from local lobby group Transport 2000, who have said that the Executive has gone back on its promise to replace 178 of the oldest buses still being used on Ulster’s roads. Transport 2000 claims that the official pledge to replace the vehicles appeared in the draft version of the Executive’s Programme for Government, but has now been dropped from the final version of the publication, which states that only 25 buses will be replaced each year.
Mr Campbell said: "If transport funding carries on at the same levels as in recent years, then a bleak picture emerges in 2011.
"A lack of funding would mean no trains north of Ballymena or Whitehead, older buses and fewer of them, ever-deteriorating roads, more congestion and more social exclusion, especially for older people, people with disabilities and people in rural areas.
"Clearly, I believe the scenario painted, if we go on as we are, is totally unacceptable. We need to explore all potential sources of funding to secure the current railway network and improve our roads and public transport services." (CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 July 2011
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
26 October 2004
Transport plan for disabled and older people outlined
A new strategy that aims to improve Northern Ireland’s transport system for older people and people with disabilities has been published today.
Transport plan for disabled and older people outlined
A new strategy that aims to improve Northern Ireland’s transport system for older people and people with disabilities has been published today.
27 August 2024
New North West Transport Plan 2035 Proposed
The Department for Infrastructure has announced a public consultation on the draft proposals for the new North West Transport Plan 2035. The proposed Plan has been developed in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and others across the North West region.
New North West Transport Plan 2035 Proposed
The Department for Infrastructure has announced a public consultation on the draft proposals for the new North West Transport Plan 2035. The proposed Plan has been developed in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and others across the North West region.
08 August 2024
Transport Infrastructure Key To Supporting Hospitality And Tourism
Transport infrastructure plays a key role in supporting Northern Ireland's hospitality and tourism sectors, Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has said. Minister O'Dowd has met with the newly formed Connectivity Coalition to discuss how the transport, hospitality and tourism sectors can work together.
Transport Infrastructure Key To Supporting Hospitality And Tourism
Transport infrastructure plays a key role in supporting Northern Ireland's hospitality and tourism sectors, Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has said. Minister O'Dowd has met with the newly formed Connectivity Coalition to discuss how the transport, hospitality and tourism sectors can work together.
31 July 2023
PSNI And Translink Launch Summer Safety Campaign
The PSNI and Translink have launched a summer safety campaign, reminding the public of the importance of safety when they are out and about over the summer months.
PSNI And Translink Launch Summer Safety Campaign
The PSNI and Translink have launched a summer safety campaign, reminding the public of the importance of safety when they are out and about over the summer months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
