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.”

Share

Pressure mounting on government to climbdown or pause inheritance tax plans

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
The Labour government is in crisis and facing mounting pressure to climbdown on its proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

Lockhart Calls for Parental Leave Review To Include Parents of Premature Babies

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the UK Government to ensure that parents of premature babies are properly supported through parental leave entitlements and has urged Northern Ireland to follow suit with legislative progress that reflects the unique challenges these families face.

Lockhart Slams Secretary of State Over “Out of Touch” Response to Protocol Problems

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has today issued a scathing criticism of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following his dismissive response to serious concerns raised in Parliament about the impact of the Windsor Framework on local businesses.

Carla Lockhart MP Commends Community Support at Waringstown Vintage Cavalcade for Kidney Research

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has praised the organisers, volunteers, and local community following a highly successful Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Vintage Cavalcade held in Waringstown.

Carla Lockhart MP Celebrates Culture and Community at Loughgall Mini 12th Parade

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly criticised the Infrastructure Minister following the latest announcement of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools with not a single school in Upper Bann included in the new tranche.

Carla Lockhart MP Commends Community Spirit at Coffee Morning in Memory of Mervyn Hall

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has paid tribute to the warmth and generosity of the Waringstown community following her visit to a special coffee morning hosted by Evelyn Hall in memory of her late husband, Mervyn, on what would have been his birthday.

Road Safety at Schools in Upper Bann Ignored

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly criticised the Infrastructure Minister following the latest announcement of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools with not a single school in Upper Bann included in the new tranche.

Pantomime Politics at its Best” with Vulnerable People Paying the Price

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly condemned the Government’s handling of today’s welfare reform debate, describing the scenes in the House of Commons as “pantomime politics at its best.” The debate on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit Bill was marked by confusion, with significant policy changes announced live from the despatch box, leaving MPs reacting to legislation that was changing before their eyes.

MP appeals for vigilance as Bluetongue threat increases

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is appealing to livestock farmers in Northern Ireland to remain vigilant as the threat from Bluetongue disease increases.

Lockhart tables Early Day Motion to challenge damaging EU red tape on NI machinery trade

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP and DUP Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons opposing the enforcement of burdensome EU regulations on the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
More Posts