Rural Driver Training Initiative launched across rural districts

Easilink Community Transport has launched the ‘Be Driven’ Driver Training Programme, a new initiative that will train eight community representatives from across the rural District Electoral Areas of Derg, Faughan, and Sperrin to obtain their D1 minibus licences.

This essential initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of rural organisations by addressing the shortage of qualified minibus drivers and improving access to affordable and inclusive transport.

This is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The initiative is funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, under the Thriving and Peaceful Communities Theme, which supports activities that build positive relations and enhance cross-community cohesion in rural areas.

As part of this first phase, eight participants have now been successfully recruited from a diverse range of community, voluntary, and cultural groups, including Lettershandony Development Association, YMCA Drumahoe, Diamond Centre, Claudy and Tyrone Dippers.

Other participants have been selected from CYL Old Boys Flute Band, Destined, Ardstraw Orange Lodge and Eglinton Community Association.

The training programme aims to increase access to vital transport services, enable greater community participation, and contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of local residents. Importantly, the project promotes inclusivity, gender equality, and cross-community engagement, while building the skills and confidence of individuals to support their own groups and wider community needs.

Charlene Devine, Project Co-Ordinator with Easilink Community Transport commented: “We’re thrilled to be supporting such a dynamic and diverse group of rural organisations. The ‘Be Driven’ programme is about much more than driving – it’s about connection, participation, and making a real difference to the quality of life in rural areas.”

The programme will continue to roll out across 2025 with further cross-community and peacebuilding initiatives under the wider PEACEPLUS-supported ‘Be Driven’ Project.

"Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACE PLUS Partnership are delighted to be able to fund £55,000 into our rural areas for this important initiative,’" said Sue Divin, PEACE Programme Manager with the council.

"Stage 1 of Be Driven is the training of new minibus drivers from a range or rural organisations. Stage 2 will be using those skills and bringing people together across communities and places in our rural areas – and importantly, providing the transport for that to happen. In our co-design process, rural people explained how transport disconnection is a barrier to peacebuilding. This project is a practical way to overcome some of those barriers and leave a positive legacy after the project is completed."