Northern Ireland Assembly candidate Emma DeSouza has spoken out about the "shocking levels" of transport poverty.

Mrs. DeSouza, who is standing as an Independent candidate, said: "Shocking levels of transport poverty in Fermanagh has been revealed in a new report by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, demonstrating the severe impact of decades of underinvestment in transport provision across the county."

She continued: “The report highlighted the particular challenges in accessing healthcare via public transport; for up to 69 per cent of local people, it would take more than two hours to reach their closest hospital on weekdays, and 82 per cent of people more than two hours at weekends.

"Similar challenges were evidenced in people’s ability to travel to their closest GP, with more than 50 per cent unable to reach their closest practice within 30 minutes; during some periods, it would take more than two hours. It is wholly unsustainable.”

Continuing, Mrs. DeSouza said: “Decades of systemic underinvestment, and rural inequalities have stymied the enormous potential for growth in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

"We need to reinvest in rural communities and reinvest in each other, with progressive and ambitious policies to build a prosperous, rights-based future.

"Key to realising that potential is urgent investment in infrastructure and connectivity. Rail lines must be restored alongside an urgent increase in bus services and routes; trains and Green buses will decrease reliance on cars, bring down emissions, and boost tourism, revitalising rural communities."

Concluding, she added: "If we are serious about improving people’s lives, connecting our island, and protecting our environment, then we must provide adequate public transport provision.

"For too long the lived experiences of rural communities has been left out of policy and decision-making. I intend to change that.”