Allister welcomes extension of transport programme for people with disabilities
25 February 2006
DUP Member of the European Parliament, Jim Allister QC has welcomed the news that the Transport Programme for People with Disabilities (TPPD) is to be extended from North and West Belfast and Londonderry into all urban areas within Northern Ireland with a population of more than 10,000 people. The scheme which provides amongst other things: door-to-door transport and Shopmobility for people with disabilities will be going into 27 urban areas identified by the Department for Regional Development by 2007.
Welcoming the news Jim Allister said:
“Following correspondence with the Department on this matter I am pleased to report that the department intends this scheme, which in 2004-2005 had a monetary expenditure of nearly a million pounds, will be extended into all of the 27 major centres of population in Northern Ireland. This is extremely welcome news.
People with disabilities often suffer as a consequence of reduced mobility in comparison with able-bodied people. Schemes, like this one, which are designed to enable people to participate more fully in our society and enjoy the opportunities that others take for granted will have my full support. This news is extremely positive and I have great delight in welcoming it.”
