To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the steps her Department is taking to improve rural transport connectivity in East Londonderry.

I recognise the importance of both community and public transport in improving the lives of vulnerable groups within our communities. It provides access to local goods and services, maintains connections to friends and families and offers independence to those with few travel options.

I have allocated an additional 26% in 2025/26 to support the rural Dial-a-Lift and urban Disability Action Transport schemes in all areas including East Derry. The level of funding was commensurate with the level of funding requested by those providing these services. It should provide additional connectivity in the form of more local journeys within that area.

While Translink are responsible for the operational delivery of public transport services they provide under the Public Service Agreement, they have advised the network is designed to enhance connectivity throughout the area. The Translink website and Journey planner app would be the best resource for viewing the extensive available services in the area.

The draft Transport Strategy 2035 is currently out for its public consultation. I recognise that the transport needs in rural areas are very different to those in urban areas and in remote areas it can be challenging to provide the same frequency of services along direct routes to make public transport a realistic alternative to private vehicles. These areas of the draft strategy are very important, and I look forward to receiving people’s views on this issue as part of the public consultation.