Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has visited the Wrightbus facility in Ballymena to view the production of sustainable transport technology and discuss the sector's transition toward net zero.

During the tour, the Minister met with staff and observed the manufacturing processes behind the company's hydrogen and electric bus ranges.

The visit highlighted the ongoing efforts to decarbonise the Translink fleet, a key component of the Department's strategy to address the climate crisis. Currently, 322 zero-emission buses manufactured by Wrightbus are in operation across the north, providing modern, cleaner alternatives to traditional diesel vehicles.

Wrightbus, which serves a global market for zero-emission technology, remains a significant employer in the region and a critical contributor to the local economy through its extensive supply chain. Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins said: "I have made clear my commitment to delivering greener, cleaner, sustainable transport to help tackle the climate crisis, this includes decarbonising the Translink fleet. The technologies developed by Wrightbus are at the forefront of this and over recent years they have provided a series of modern buses including hydrogen and electric buses, with 322 of them now in service across the north. I was pleased to visit the Wrightbus factory and see at first-hand this vital work being taken forward and meet some of the staff involved in the delivery. Wrightbus has had a major role to play in helping us work towards our net zero targets and we look forward to continuing to engage with them in the future."

John McLeister, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, said: "I am delighted to see the Minister for Infrastructure in our factory and it has been a real pleasure showing her behind the scenes. Wrightbus is leading the way globally in zero-emission technology. These visits are not about photos and handshakes – they're about underlining how important businesses like Wrightbus are to the local economy, creating jobs not just here in Ballymena but around the country as a whole."