16/03/2022
Infrastructure Minister Visits Wrightbus Factory
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has visited the Wrightbus factory to see their new Zero Emission Buses as they are made ready to join the Translink fleet.
The Minister toured the factory and met the team that are delivering a total of 183 new zero and low emission buses, which represents a total investment in excess of £104 million with Wrightbus over the last three years. These orders include 138 Zero Emission Buses which will soon be on our roads.
Minister Mallon said: "I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure. I have been clear that tackling the climate crisis is a priority for me and I am committed to building a better future where we make zero/low emission public transport accessible to communities across the North. My efforts are focused on making public transport carbon net zero as quickly as possible by delivering a step change on this journey to a greener future. This is a future where our public transport leaves behind a reduced carbon footprint on our planet and where the air we breathe is cleaner as we tackle the climate crisis rather than exacerbate it.
"In line with this commitment I previously allocated funding of almost £74million for the purchase of 145 zero and low emission buses for the Translink fleet. The first of these are due to go into passenger service in the next few weeks which will be another exciting milestone on this journey to net zero. When all the buses arrive and are in service Translink will have the fourth largest fleet across these islands of zero emission buses.
"In November I was also delighted to announce additional funding of £30million for the purchase of 38 new zero emission battery electric buses for the Foyle Metro fleet. This significant leap will see the city’s entire urban fleet replaced with electric buses making it one of the first cities across these islands to have a fully zero-emission bus fleet when all the vehicles go into passenger service in 2023.
"Wrightbus are delivering both these significant projects for us so I am delighted to be here today to see at first hand the expertise and technology they use and to meet with the staff helping us drive forward cleaner, greener public transport across the North for now and for future generations."
The Minister toured the factory and met the team that are delivering a total of 183 new zero and low emission buses, which represents a total investment in excess of £104 million with Wrightbus over the last three years. These orders include 138 Zero Emission Buses which will soon be on our roads.
Minister Mallon said: "I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure. I have been clear that tackling the climate crisis is a priority for me and I am committed to building a better future where we make zero/low emission public transport accessible to communities across the North. My efforts are focused on making public transport carbon net zero as quickly as possible by delivering a step change on this journey to a greener future. This is a future where our public transport leaves behind a reduced carbon footprint on our planet and where the air we breathe is cleaner as we tackle the climate crisis rather than exacerbate it.
"In line with this commitment I previously allocated funding of almost £74million for the purchase of 145 zero and low emission buses for the Translink fleet. The first of these are due to go into passenger service in the next few weeks which will be another exciting milestone on this journey to net zero. When all the buses arrive and are in service Translink will have the fourth largest fleet across these islands of zero emission buses.
"In November I was also delighted to announce additional funding of £30million for the purchase of 38 new zero emission battery electric buses for the Foyle Metro fleet. This significant leap will see the city’s entire urban fleet replaced with electric buses making it one of the first cities across these islands to have a fully zero-emission bus fleet when all the vehicles go into passenger service in 2023.
"Wrightbus are delivering both these significant projects for us so I am delighted to be here today to see at first hand the expertise and technology they use and to meet with the staff helping us drive forward cleaner, greener public transport across the North for now and for future generations."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 2024
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
22 March 2024
Health Minister Praises Work Of Mater Hospital's EOSC Staff
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has highlighted the innovative work of staff at the Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) in Belfast's Mater Hospital.
Health Minister Praises Work Of Mater Hospital's EOSC Staff
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has highlighted the innovative work of staff at the Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) in Belfast's Mater Hospital.
11 March 2024
Minister Rejects Calls For Privatisation Of MOT Services
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has ruled out any privatisation of MOT services in Northern Ireland, following calls for the adaption of system similar to that used in the UK.
Minister Rejects Calls For Privatisation Of MOT Services
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has ruled out any privatisation of MOT services in Northern Ireland, following calls for the adaption of system similar to that used in the UK.
07 March 2024
Health Minister Announces 'Public Listening Exercise' On Women's Health
The Department of Health is to undertake a large scale 'public listening exercise' to explore views and opinions on how best to address women's health in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Announces 'Public Listening Exercise' On Women's Health
The Department of Health is to undertake a large scale 'public listening exercise' to explore views and opinions on how best to address women's health in Northern Ireland.
07 March 2024
Spring Budget 'Missed Opportunity' For Public Services Investment
The financial outlook for all of the UK's devolved governments' public services remains "extremely challenging", Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald has warned. Following the announcement of the Spring Budget by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Minister Archibald said that it was a missed opportunity for investment in public services.
Spring Budget 'Missed Opportunity' For Public Services Investment
The financial outlook for all of the UK's devolved governments' public services remains "extremely challenging", Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald has warned. Following the announcement of the Spring Budget by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Minister Archibald said that it was a missed opportunity for investment in public services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.