Vital community transport service must be maintained

Carla Lockhart MP • March 28, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has met with representatives of DART, the local community transport provider, to discuss uncertainty with their funding for the next financial year.

After the meeting, Carla said:

“DART provide an essential service to many people locally, particularly those who have no other means of getting around. This can be the case for residents in rural areas who have to get to the doctor, pick up a prescription or get the weekly shopping and have no access to a vehicle.

The Department for Infrastructure have said the funding for this service in the next financial year is uncertain. Only April is being promised and beyond that nothing is guaranteed. That is not good enough, with a cloud of doubt hanging over this essential community service.

I am calling on the Department to step up to provide the necessary finance moving forward to ensure this community transport is maintained moving forward. We need certainty, not just for DART, but also for service users to depend on this service to get from A to B.”

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Carla Lockhart MP reaffirms support for Portadown brethren following Drumcree parade and church service

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 5, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her unwavering support for the brethren of Portadown District LOL No. 1 after attending today’s Drumcree parade and church service, describing it as another significant chapter in their long-standing campaign to return home along their traditional route.

MP welcomes TB wildlife consultation but says farmers are anxious about mandatory blood test

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 3, 2026

DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed DAERA's long-awaited consultation on wildlife intervention, describing it as a vital step towards delivering the comprehensive bovine TB eradication strategy that Northern Ireland's farming community has been demanding for decades.

Carla Lockhart MP celebrates local centenarian Jim Copeland on his 100th birthday

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to local centenarian Jim Copeland as he celebrated his 100th birthday, describing him as “one of life’s true gentlemen” and thanking him for his lifetime of Christian faith, service and quiet inspiration.

Carla Lockhart MP welcomes victory for Darlington nurses and calls for common sense to prevail

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the successful conclusion of the legal case brought by seven Darlington nurses, describing the outcome as a victory for common sense, women’s dignity and the protection of single-sex spaces.

Harry Graham’s perfect attendance earns praise from Carla Lockhart MP

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Moyallen Primary School pupil Harry Graham after he achieved an outstanding 100% attendance record throughout his entire primary school education.

Carla Lockhart MP congratulates Portadown veteran Joe Robson on remarkable 72-hour Armed Forces Week challenge

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Portadown veteran Joe Robson on completing an extraordinary 72-hour sit-out during Armed Forces Week, raising vital funds for Help for Heroes and shining a spotlight on the sacrifices made by those who have served.