Cash boost for NI ambulance fleet

Ambulance

A multi-million pound investment in the NI Ambulance Service will mean up to 60 new vehicles, public safety minister minister Michael McGimpsey has said.

The accident and emergency vehicles will be bought over the next three years as part of a £17m investment.

A further 60 non-emergency vehicles and 26 rapid response vehicles were planned for the same period, Mr McGimpsey said.

He said further investment over the next 10 years would ensure no vehicle would be older than five years.

Speaking on a visit to the Bridge Ambulance Station in Ballymacarett, the minister said: "A world-class health service needs a modern and responsive emergency service.

Equipment

"For too many years, the NIAS has suffered from a lack of investment but now will benefit from a major funding boost.

"I plan to invest a further £2.5m over the next three years which is in addition to the £14.5m already allocated to fleet and equipment replacement as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review."

Mr McGimpsey said he also planned to invest £100m over the next ten years in "fleet, estate and vital equipment such as defibrillators".

He said he was aware of recent concerns about the age and condition of the NIAS fleet.

"This is without doubt the largest investment in the history of the NIAS," he said.