To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what action is being taken to improve bus connectivity in East Antrim.

Since taking office, I have been clear that my priority is addressing regional imbalance, and better connecting communities.

My officials are currently developing a new suite of transport plans, with the first in line for completion being the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan. It will set out future investment and improvement for our strategic transport networks, by road, rail and bus, and reflect my commitment to improving connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across all of the North. It is expected to be issued for consultation later this year.

As we emerge from COVID-19 it is critical that our planning prioritises a Green Recovery and that we put in place the infrastructure that supports Active Travel and Public Transport choices. Throughout the pandemic Translink has maintained bus services and we are now starting to see a positive return in bus usage which has resulted in a number of service enhancements being planned for July and September.

The Larne to Belfast 256 Express is returning to a full timetable and the Ballyclare to Belfast Urby services are returning at 20 minutes peak and hourly off peak. Rural connections from Ballymena to local villages are being improved and the Antrim Town Service to the Antrim Hospital is increasing in frequency. In the longer term Translink is also planning improved connections to the hospital.

Additional rural transport services are delivered by Rural Community Transport Partnerships which my Department funds through the Rural Transport Fund. These services play a valuable role in connecting people, some of whom are the most vulnerable in our society, to opportunities including accessing essential local services.