Regional Development Minister Visits Disability Action

Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, today visited Disability Action to see first hand the transport schemes they operate.

Disability Action manages a number of programmes on behalf of the Department including, Door-to-Door Transport, Group Transport Services and the Mobility Centre.

The Minister met with users of these services and learned how important Door-to-Door Transport is in helping people with disabilities, or older people, to get to local facilities and services and how the Mobility Centre helps disabled people to gain or retain their independence as drivers and passengers.

The Minister said: "I welcome the opportunity to visit Disability Action today. This is a real opportunity for me to see first hand the important work of Disability Action and to hear what people with disabilities think about these services.

"I am committed to promoting and supporting transport that addresses the needs of everyone in our community. I would like to congratulate Disability Action on the excellent job they do. Disability Action, with my Department’s support, provides valuable services for older people and for people with disabilities.

"Today has reinforced the importance of these services and how they make a real difference to people’s lives and to their independence."

Further information about the services provided by the Department can be found at the NI Direct website or by calling 028 9054 0470.

Notes to editors:

1. The Department for Regional Development through the Transport Programme for People with Disabilities, provides support to a number of organisations to provide specialised transport services for people who find it difficult or impossible to use conventional public transport.
2. The Department for Regional Development funding for Disability Action amounts to some £964,000 annually.
3. Media Queries: please contact Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.