100 year old lady joins door-2-door transport in Downpatrick

A 100 year old woman was today welcomed to a government scheme which helps get the elderly and disabled out and about.

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the centenarian, Miss Anne McKeating to membership of his department’s Door-2-Door Transport scheme when he visited Downpatrick.

Miss Anne McKeating, who lives in Downpatrick, was presented with her new membership card at a reception held in The Saint Patrick Centre in the town. Speaking at the event, the Minister said: “The Door-2-Door Transport service exists to help people just like Anne to get out and about in her local area. I hope she, just like the thousands of others who have joined the scheme over the past year, will enjoy using Door-2-Door Transport, and that it will make a positive difference to her lifestyle.”

Michael Lorimer, Chief Executive of Chambers Coach Hire Ltd (the operator of Door-2-Door Transport) commented: “We have been operating this service, on behalf of the department, for just over a year now. In that time we have been able to see first-hand how the service has made such a positive impact upon the lives of older people and people with disabilities. The feedback we have been receiving from members has been very encouraging.”

Door-2-Door Transport, which operates in 27 of our towns and cities, fulfils a function similar to regular bus town services by enabling people who might otherwise find it difficult or impossible accessing local facilities and services to get out and about.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible to join the scheme should request a membership application form by calling (028) 9054 0609 or by e-mailing door2door@drdni.gov.uk. Details on the new scheme can also be found on the department's Getting Out & About website - simply go to www.ni-transportguide.info and click on "Door-2-Door".

Notes to Editors:

1. The Door-2-Door Transport service is being funded through the Department for Regional Development’s Transport Programme for People with Disabilities (TPPD).
2. The TPPD also currently provides funding for similar-type door-to-door transport services in Belfast and Derry (operated by Disability Action and Bridge Accessible Transport respectively). The TPPD also funds Translink's Easibus services in Belfast, Bangor and Derry, and provides support for a number of Shopmobility schemes.
3. The Department is currently undertaking a tender exercise for Door-2-Door Transport services in Belfast and Derry. It is anticipated the new service will become operational in these two areas from 1 April 2008.
4. Media queries to: Press Office, Tel 028 90 540007. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.