South Down Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard has written to Executive Ministers seeking support for a bus service from Downpatrick to the Ulster Hospital.
Mr Hazzard said: “Following a meeting with Translink I have written to the Ministers for Health, Regional Development and Agriculture and rural development, seeking their support for this vital service extension.
“Translink are in the process of costing the service which will likely include two services a day. I have asked the Ministers to do everything in their power to ensure that the necessary funding is made available for this service to commence.
“Recent changes to health provision in Down have left it nearly impossible for some people to access hospital services. It is crucial that accessible public transport to the Ulster Hospital is available for people in the Down area.”
Party colleague Naomi Bailie said public transport “must adapt to the changing dynamics of local health provision. I welcome Translink’s plans to run a service to the Downshire estate and Downe Hospital, but this remains dependent on financial support from other agencies:
“Translink have plans to begin a run which would service the Downshire estate and Downe hospital. They have sought financial support from the tenants based in the Downshire estate, including Down Council. It is vital that Council support these plans, and in doing so provide a much needed service for the people of this town and open the public sector hub up to this community.”
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