Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development and Community Association receiving the keys for the new electric vehicle from Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has presented the Rathlin Development and Community Association with the keys to their new community e-vehicle.
The Minister had previously announced that Rathlin Island was to get Northern Ireland’s first community e-transport scheme funded through her Blue/Green Infrastructure Fund.
The scheme includes the purchase of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for community use and 20 e-bikes, which will initially be available to islanders and visitors working on the island.
Presenting the keys to Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development and Community Association, Minister Mallon said:
“I visited Rathlin earlier this year to announce the e-transport scheme so I am delighted to see the first phase of this exciting development for the people of Rathlin come to fruition with the delivery of this car.
“Rathlin has the ambition to be a carbon neutral island and I want to do all I can to help them achieve this. I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure.
“From day one as Minister I have been using an electric vehicle as my Ministerial car and have been working to ensure that my Department and its Arms-Length Bodies in NI Water and Translink are making the same moves towards the use of electric vehicles.
“I also recently announced that I am driving forward decarbonisation in Northern Ireland by establishing a new EV charging task-force, to help us deliver a modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.”
Continuing the Minister said: “These are the changes we need to see to help us tackle the climate crisis and contribute to better health outcomes for all our population. I will continue to make positive steps to choose cleaner, greener travel.
“I look forward to returning to Rathlin next year when the electric bikes are delivered and the e-transport scheme is fully operational.”
Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development and Community Association said:
“The community are delighted to receive this e-car through Minister Mallon’s Blue/Green Fund. The car is a significant step in helping us on our journey to becoming a 360° green destination.”
DfI has lead responsibility on behalf of the Executive for the implementation and monitoring of the Rathlin Island Policy and Action Plan. The Policy recognises that as N.Ireland’s only offshore inhabited island, Rathlin is unique and that the challenges faced on the island need to be addressed in a different way.
Last year the Minister announced a £20 million blue/green infrastructure fund which includes funding for community led projects to promote active travel.