How Extra Funding Is Helping Us Support More Local People

A positive meeting with Minister Liz Kimmins

Our manager Stephen recently attended a meeting with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, along with representatives from other community transport groups, to talk about the difference additional funding has made to local services.

The meeting was a great opportunity to share how important this support has been for Newry and Mourne Community Transport, and how it has helped us improve our service and support more people across the local area.

You can read the Department for Infrastructure article here: Kimmins welcomes increase in local community transport trips

Why community transport matters

For many people across Newry and Mourne, getting out and about is not always easy.

Some live in rural areas where public transport is limited. Others may be older, vulnerable, disabled, isolated, or unable to access standard transport. Simple everyday journeys, like going to the doctor, visiting the hospital, getting to the shops, or attending appointments, can become very difficult without the right support.

That is where our service makes such a big difference.

Helping more people get where they need to go

The increase in funding has allowed us to strengthen our operation and meet more of the local demand.

It means we can help more people make essential journeys, stay independent, and remain connected to their community, we often help many community groups meet with each other.

For our passengers, community transport is about much more than getting from one place to another. It can mean being able to attend a medical appointment, pick up shopping, visit family, go to a community group, or simply feel less isolated.

These journeys may seem small, but they can make a huge difference to someone’s wellbeing and quality of life.

A lifeline for our local community

At Newry and Mourne Community Transport, we see every day how important this service is.

Our passengers rely on safe, accessible and friendly transport to help them stay connected and independent. For many, we are not just a transport service. We are a lifeline.

We are very grateful that the importance of community transport is being recognised, and we welcome the additional funding that has helped us support more people across Newry and Mourne. With continued support, we can keep helping local people access the services, places and people that matter most.

Everyone deserves the chance to get out and about

Community transport helps people live fuller, more independent lives. This funding has made a real difference, and we are proud to continue supporting those who need us most.