Rice welcomes news of public transport cash injection

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 10th Jul 1998

The Alliance Party's transport spokesperson has welcomed the Government's decision to provide a £20m investment package for Northern Ireland's public transport sector.

And Castlereagh Councillor Geraldine Rice - who is also the Alliance Party's Environment spokesperson - has hit out at those who have attacked yesterday's announcement from Lord Dubs.

Mrs. Rice said it was "essential" that those creating trouble in the wake of the Drumcree stand-off in Portadown should not be allowed to determine the implementation of funding for public transport.

The Castlereagh Councillor also said that £20 million investment package for Ulsterbus and Citybus was long "overdue".

Mrs. Rice said:

"The announcement from Lord Dubs should be welcomed from all quarters and I don't see why the continuing spate of hijackings and cancelled services should have any bearing on the announcement.

"I have consistently called for an urgent review of the public transport system in Northern Ireland and the delivery of 138 new buses has to be commended.

"We need more people to use the public transport service as the number of people with cars is rising at an alarming rate.

"I am glad that this decision has been announced and I think it will help bring our public transport service into line with other services in the United Kingdom."

ENDS