Rural community transport under threat from cutbacks

22 March 2023

FEARS are growing that the district’s rural community transport service could be axed within weeks due to the worst financial crisis it has ever experienced.

Down Community Transport — which was launched 25 years ago – has been plunged into a funding crisis as the vital financial support it relies on from the Department for Infrastructure to provide the lifeline service could end on April 30.

Employing 14 staff, Down Community Transport is one of 11 dial-a-lift organisations across the province that could go out of business at the end of next month, leaving the elderly and vulnerable clients it ferries to hospital and a range of other appointments stranded.

Drivers make 3,000 journeys each month and while the government department says it recognises the importance of the rural transport service, “extremely difficult decisions” had to be taken as the budget for the new financial year has not been confirmed in the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive.

The Department for Infrastructure said it understands the impact the decision will have on community transport staff and users if funding ends.

A spokesperson for the organisation explained that to “minimise uncertainty and operational difficulties” a funding commitment has been given to transport providers until the end of April, with “further decisions for the remainder of the year subject to the budget outcome”.

Down Community Transport manager Patricia Galloway said the organisation was “looking into the unknown” as a result of the funding crisis.

Sinn Fein South Down MLA Cathy Mason and Downpatrick area SDLP councillor Gareth Sharvin said vital financial support must continue to be provided.

Mrs Galloway said news broke at the start of this month that financial support for the new financial year was not guaranteed and as the countdown continues until the end of April, she is working hard to maintain staff morale and continue delivering the vital transport service that many people rely heavily upon.

“We were initially told that our funding was in place until March 31 and that nothing was guaranteed beyond that date and you can imagine the complete shock and uproar that caused,” said Mrs Galloway.

“We didn’t know if the doors would close at the end of this month or what and when we contacted the government department we were told that it was up to as a company and the management board to make that decision.

“Officials then came back and informed us that funding would continue until the end of April but we don’t know what happens after that. All 11 community transport providers are in the same boat.”

Mrs Galloway said while many people were saying the community transport service will not go out of business, she said there were no guarantees that will not happen.

And she revealed people who rely on the service, some of whom are elderly and have mobility issues, are already starting to get in touch to ask what is happening.

“One lady who is 80 rang on Monday morning asking if we would be able to take her to a hospital appointment in May but the honest answer is I don’t know,” said Mrs Galloway. “I wish I had answers for her but I don’t.

“At this moment in time no one can give us any guarantee about what is going to happen after the end of April. We have political support at all levels and it is now a case of just hanging in there until we see what happens. All the other community transport providers are in the same boat as us.”

Mrs Galloway continued: “We are looking into the unknown. Trying to run a company on a yearly basis is hard, never mind monthly. We have not been given any timescale as to when we will be updated about this issue either and are working to keep staff morale high.

“It is business as usual and that is the stance we are taking but, as time ticks on it is getting harder. But we need to continue providing the service those who rely on us have come to expect.”

Mrs Mason, who met recently with Down Community Transport officials when she was joined by one of her party’s Downpatrick area election candidates, Philip Campbell, said community transport services must be protected.

"Community transport provides an invaluably vital service to older people, those with disabilities, as well as the most isolated and vulnerable communities. The meeting with those who provide the service highlighted the stark reality of what these cuts mean,” she said, confirming she has requested an urgent meeting with the Department for Infrastructure.

Mr Campbell said the local service helps tackle social isolation, connect people to their communities and helps facilitate essential hospital and GP visits. He said the service helps those who live in rural areas and its benefits cannot be overstated and must be protected.

Cllr Sharvin urged the government department to provide the financial security needed for Down Community Transport after he also met with its officials.

“This service to the community is extremely vital and is a lifeline for many. For some, it’s a way of getting out of the house twice a week for social interaction, to improve their mental health or travel to a medical appointment,” he said.

“The department must realise how important this service is to our community, but even more important to the rural communities who are disconnected due to public infrastructure not being available.”

At Monday night’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee, it was agreed to write to the Department for Infrastructure to ask for the funding needed to continue the local community transport service to be provided.

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