To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline her proposals for converting more buses away from diesel and towards electric power.

Tackling the climate emergency is the single biggest global challenge we face and as Infrastructure Minister, I have made addressing climate change one of my key priorities.

I am committed to delivering on the decarbonisation of public transport and promoting modal shift, which will be key to reducing the reliance on the private car. I recognise that collectively, with my Executive colleagues and with the members of the Assembly, we can deliver lasting change for our communities.

Translink is currently working to develop plans to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels by moving all of its bus and rail fleets towards zero emission, zero carbon technologies. It is working on a feasibility study to explore different technology options including electrification, hydrogen, battery and bi-mode options for rail.

I am committed to fund this move away from carbon emitting vehicles and, in line with this, I was delighted last week to launch the first electric double decker bus from the £74m investment I announced in December 2020 for 100 zero emission buses for our public transport network. This means that, by spring 2022 when all vehicles from this order will be delivered, Translink will have the 4th largest fleet of zero emission buses across these islands.

In addition, I have also announced my investment in 38 battery electric vehicles for Foyle Metro. When these buses come in service, in 2023, all Foyle Metro service will be operated by zero emission vehicles.

This is clear, tangible evidence of my commitment to tackling the climate emergency and, as funding becomes available, I will continue to support the decarbonisation of our public transport bus fleet to provide a green, clean alternative to travelling by private car.