A landmark e-transport scheme in Rathlin Island has reached the first phase of completion with the handover of a new community e-vehicle.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon handed over the keys of the new vehicle to the Rathlin Development and Community Association.

Northern Ireland's first community e-transport scheme scheme funded through the Blue/Green Infrastructure Fund, it will involve the purchase of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for community use and 20 e-bikes, which will initially be available to islanders and visitors working on the island.

Presenting the keys to Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development and Community Association, Minister Mallon said: "I visited Rathlin earlier this year to announce the e-transport scheme so I am delighted to see the first phase of this exciting development for the people of Rathlin come to fruition with the delivery of this car.

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"Rathlin has the ambition to be a carbon neutral island and I want to do all I can to help them achieve this. I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure. From day one as Minister I have been using an electric vehicle as my Ministerial car and have been working to ensure that my Department and its Arms-Length Bodies in NI Water and Translink are making the same moves towards the use of electric vehicles.

"I also recently announced that I am driving forward decarbonisation in Northern Ireland by establishing a new EV charging task-force, to help us deliver a modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure."

Minister Mallon added: "These are the changes we need to see to help us tackle the climate crisis and contribute to better health outcomes for all our population. I will continue to make positive steps to choose cleaner, greener travel. 

"I look forward to returning to Rathlin next year when the electric bikes are delivered and the e-transport scheme is fully operational."

Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development and Community Association, described this investment as "a significant step" in the journey to becoming a "360° green destination".