Monthly Archives: March 2015

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has sought assurances from the transport Minister that there will be no further fare increases, following a reduction in the public transport subsidy, which had been passed down through the Finance Minister. Mr Beggs said “A reduction in the public transport subsidy has been passed down through the Finance Minister, and, despite the increase in local fares that has been implemented, some think that Translink is still under significant pressure. Would the Minister agree with a second fare increase for Translink?” In response, Minister Kennedy confirmed that there would be no further increased, stating “I thank the Member for his question. Let me say this: absolutely not. I do not believe that it would make any economic sense or in any way attract greater usage of our public transport system to put forward a second fare increase at this time. I rule … Continue reading →

Roy Beggs MLA has asked the Junior Minister about the importance of education in allowing our young people and their families to move out of poverty in the future.  Speaking at the Assembly on Monday the 23rd March, the Ulster Unionist MLA said “The junior Minister highlighted the importance of education in allowing our young people and their families to move out of poverty in the future. Can he explain why early years funding has been reduced for a number of organisations in my constituency, including Kids Korner in the Antiville area, where there are some of the highest levels of child poverty in Northern Ireland?” Junior Minister Bell responded saying: “In the first instance, we had to look at the key areas. That was the evidence that came to us from a lot of the charitable organisations. We regularly meet Barnardo’s, Children in Northern Ireland, the NSPCC and Include … Continue reading →

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Assemblyman Roy Beggs MLA has urged the public to respond to the Translink consultation on the future of the Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Town centre service and the connecting service to Antrim Hospital. Mr Beggs said, “I would urge the local residents to use their local bus service and make their views known via www.translink.co.uk/servicechanges – It is important that a connecting local bus service is available for those without their own transport. The town centre service links the suburbs with to the local community and to the wider bus and rail network. Without the current hospital service visitors and out patients would have to travel to Antrim via Larne or Belfast, or to pay for private transport.” Translink are under severe financial pressure. During 2012 the former chief executive of Translink, Catherine Mason highlighted that Translink received the lowest level of Government subsidy per passenger in … Continue reading →