Liz Kimmins pledges boost to community transport funding across Northern Ireland

Image: North Coast Community Transport

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced her intention to increase funding for community transport services across Northern Ireland, recognising their critical role in supporting vulnerable and isolated individuals.

While the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) final 2025/26 budget decisions remain subject to the outcome of an ongoing equality consultation, Minister Kimmins has expressed her firm commitment to protecting what she described as a “valuable life-line” for many communities.

“I have met with representatives of the community transport sector, heard from users about the real impact these services can have on individuals, not just in our towns and cities but also on the roads less travelled. They improve access to goods and services, facilitate independence and vital connections and also they allow people to contribute to local communities and economies,” said the Minister.

Community transport services provide essential mobility for those without access to private vehicles, particularly the elderly, people with disabilities, and individuals living in rural or underserved areas. These services help reduce social isolation, increase access to healthcare and employment, and support inclusive economic participation.

Minister Kimmins reaffirmed her people-first approach to governance, stating:

“Since becoming Minister, I have focused on ensuring that people are at the heart of everything we do and I will continue to put the resources in place to allow my department to deliver the quality of services that everyone deserves.”

The Minister also acknowledged the significant financial pressures facing community transport providers, driven by rising employment and operational costs over recent years.

“I acknowledge that employment and other costs across the sector have risen significantly over the last couple of years. To mitigate against these increases and to protect these vital services, I intend to increase the level of funding available to the community transport operators, that will enable them to deliver these vital services in 2025/26,” she added.

The Department is currently analysing responses to its equality consultation before finalising allocations for the upcoming financial year. However, Minister Kimmins’ statement signals a strong likelihood that community transport will remain a priority in the face of challenging public sector finances.

This move has been widely welcomed by stakeholders in the sector, who have long called for increased support to meet growing demand and rising costs.