Member's statement: Rural Public Transport: South Antrim

Member's statement by Mr John Blair on 13 May 2025.

MLA

Mr John Blair

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

13 May 2025

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

Rural Public Transport: South Antrim

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4947508

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I rise as a representative of South Antrim to draw attention to the unsatisfactory state of rural public transport across the constituency. Across Northern Ireland, our rural communities remain severely underserved and neglected by transportation infrastructure. Residents in those areas face significant and, often, overwhelming difficulties in accessing essential services; stable employment opportunities; and social amenities and activities. That is primarily due to the unreliable, infrequent and, at times, entirely absent public transport provision that is available to them. It is disheartening to acknowledge that, despite the combined efforts of local representatives and community champions to advocate for improved services, the needs and voices of rural residents continue to go unheard. The current transport situation not only continues systemic inequalities but creates a major obstacle to economic growth and social progress in those communities. For instance, in my constituency, the towns of Randalstown and Toome are situated along the primary route to Derry/Londonderry. Despite my Alliance colleagues and I attempting to negotiate and secure access to that bus route for either Belfast or Derry/Londonderry, we have encountered bureaucratic obstacles and disappointments. At the opposite end of my constituency, in Glenavy, my constituents regularly express frustrations about the inadequacy of the public transport services that should facilitate their children's commute to and from school. They face unnecessary detours and complications just to reach appropriate bus stops that should, ideally, be located within their neighbourhoods. Furthermore, I have heard from young people, especially students, about the difficulties that they encounter due to inadequate rural transport in my constituency. For example, those who lack access to a car struggle to obtain part-time jobs, which are essential to the local economy as well as to those young people's development. They also have difficulties in participating in university or college classes and social activities, which can negatively affect their mental and physical health. Recognising the vital importance of accessible, efficient and reliable public transportation is crucial to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens, irrespective of their geographical location. Achieving that goal will require significant increases in public investment and enhancing connectivity between rural regions and urban centres, which are often viewed as hubs of opportunity. Members will be aware that, even within council areas, connectivity is a challenge. My Alliance colleagues and I will continue to advocate on the matter and address the ongoing shortcomings in our rural public transport system. We need an urgent review and action soon thereafter.

407 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:33 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reads every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification