Mallon announces plans for Moira Park and Ride

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced plans for Moira Park & Ride at Moira Train Station.

DfI Minister Nichola Mallon

This project will provide 400+ new spaces close to the train station and will be a big boost for local commuters.

Minister Mallon said:

“I am delighted to announce this plan for Moira Train Station, that will provide over 400 new spaces close to the train station, delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable transport for locals. This is part of my commitment to protecting our environment and fighting the climate crisis by greening our infrastructure and doing what I can to drive down emissions as quickly as possible. 

“I believe that our public transport

network is vital in our recovery from COVID-19.  Park and Rides, such as the one at Moira, will give citizens the chance to use the public transport network as an alternative to commuting, helping to drive down congestion and emissions.   

“This project is part of a number of Park and Ride schemes I am committed to progressing across Northern Ireland.  Moreover, as I work to deliver the change our society needs, I want citizens to work in partnership with us to transform our local communities and deliver that lasting change. Therefore I would encourage the public to engage with the public consultation so we can deliver more together.”

Mallon announces opening of second financial support scheme for taxi-drivers

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today opened a second financial support scheme for taxi-drivers.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon

Minister Mallon said: 

“Coronavirus has caused many challenges across our community, disrupting the lives of all of our citizens and adding hardship for families across Northern Ireland. Many workers and businesses have felt the pain of the restrictions economically. While support has been put in place, there have been gaps which is why I stepped up to provide support for the bus and coach industry and for our taxi drivers. Today I am pleased to open a second taxi scheme which will provide support to drivers covering the 12 month period from 22 March 2020 to 21 March 2021.  

“It aims to address two issues: first, to provide further support to all eligible taxi drivers for this 12 month period, and second, to now provide financial assistance specifically for those drivers who have had partial insurance during this period. Taking on board learning from the first taxi driver scheme, the application process has also been simplified to address the concerns raised by the sector and this time round drivers will be able to directly contact the Department through a dedicated information line for the scheme. Drivers who were unable to work because they were shielding, but still incurred the overhead costs, will also be able to apply for this new scheme. 

“The support reflects the continuing restrictions on hospitality and retail and has been agreed by the Executive. The maximum amount of support available will be £3,000, including any payment already made under the first scheme, and will be dependent on the number of days that taxi drivers had insurance in place over the period. It is in addition to support for self-employed taxi drivers from other schemes such as the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

“I fully appreciate the difficulties that many taxi-drivers, alongside many other workers and businesses, have faced during this last year. I am pleased that my department has acted quickly to receive further powers to ensure that we can provide a second scheme to help those continually affected. This new scheme will be open until 26 February with applications being processed as quickly as possible.”  

Full details about the scheme and how to apply is available here:

• ​​​​​​https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/taxi-drivers-financial-assistance-scheme-guidance  

The information line for applications is 028 9054 0605.  This number is available Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5,00 pm.