Annual Re
ort&Re
ort on Public Benefit
Arma
h Rural Trans
ART
ort Ltd
REPORTING PERIOD
1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023
TRUSTEES
Dermot Mooney
Bridget Smith
David Mcmullen
Eileen Stewart
Sylvia McRoberts
Sheila Curry
Sam Nicholson
James Clifford
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary & Company Secretary
Treasurer
BANKERS
Bank of Ireland
11 Upper English Street
Armagh
Co. Amiagh
BT617BH
AUDITORS
WHR Accountants Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants
Statutory Auditors
56 English Street
Armagh
Co. Armagh
BT617LG
TRUSTEES REPORT
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 submit
their Annual Report and the audrted Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023. The
trustees have adopted the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by
Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland
(FRS 102) effective 1 January 2015) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), in preparing the annual report and
financial statements of the charity.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
Armagh Rural Transport Ltd (ART) was first established in 2000 as a Company Limited by Guarantee
No. Nl 37744 governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association under the Companies
(Northern Ireland) Order 1986 on 19th January 2000.
ART is registered as a Charity with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland No.. NIC103125.
The registered office address is Armagh Business Centre. ofFI￿ Suite 1, 2 Loughgall Road, Armagh,
Co. Armagh, Northem Ireland, BT617NH.

ART is funded by the Department of Infrastwcture (Dfl) under their Rural Transport Fund for Northern
Ireland.
The trustees of the company are its directors for the purposes of charity law and are collectively
referred to as committee members. The number of trustees must not be less than 3 for a committee
meeting to prO￿ed. ART is managed by a board of voluntary trustees elected every year from across
Armagh and surrounding areas. After each election, an induction session is held for new members
of the board to explain the services we provide, guidance on the governance aspects of a trustee's
role, an introduction to the strategic aims over the year ahead and an examination of the main threat
and opportunities facing the charity.
The day-to-day management of the organisation is delegated to a staff team headed by Diane Irwin
(Project Manager), which reports to the Board of trustees 10 to 12 times per year. Sub-commtttees
are created to oversee aspects of work on Southern Area Partnership (SAP), Human Resources
matters or purchasing of a bus as the need arises and reports from the sub-committees are presented
back to the full board meeting as they occur.
Written policies and prO￿dureS detail the decision-making powers which are delegated to staff and
those which are retained by the trustees. The project manager has committed to working with the
Board on an ongoing programme of review of policies which are used within the organisation.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure
appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Therefore,
they have taken a detailed review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Risks include
the Rural Transport Fund for Nl if proposed changes to the 10b permits progress. This funding stream
provides the essential key source of the organisation's income to ensure retention of core activities
including the office and essential staffing resources. The Board believes the organisation has
considered this risk and made provision under the Reserves Policy but will be vigilant of the
organisation's risks as developments arise and new funding streams are sought in the coming
months. This situation is true for all community transport organisations in Northern Ireland at this
point in time, however, ART Trustees are confident that they will be able to sustain the organisation
with both current grant, cu￿ent reserves and new opportunities.
PURPOSES
In ensuring that the activrties of ART provide a public benefit, all our activities are related to one or
more of the following charitable objects..
To provide relief to the inhabitants of Armagh. Craigavon, Banbridge Council area and its environs
(within the geographical area of the Armagh legacy council) who have need because of age, learning
or physical disability. or poverty, and in particular because not so as to limit the generality of the
foregoing
to provide and maintain non-profit community transport services," and
to assist the charitable work of the organisations and bodies engaged in promoting the
relief of such person through the provision of appropriate services.
b)
Objectives and Activities I Public Benefit
During the reporting period the organisation carried out its operations under the following th￿e
categories..
1. Dial a Lift (DAL).
2. Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS).
3. Group Hire.

CHAIRPERSON'S ANNUAL REVIEW
As I sit here on a beautiful sunny afternoon in early June attempting to draft a forward to our 23rd
Annual report I'm afraid experience over the last year does not match the weather! From facing
almost extinction around Easter and the pressures that resulted due to a funding crisis. Our main
funder DFI could not allocate funding, as a result we had to suspend services over the Easter week
and ask staff to take leave and to issue protective noti￿ to staff.
The allocation of funds by the department was delayed due to having no Government at Stormont
and senior civil servants having no certainty of what the block grant would be from the UK
Govemment. Very late in the day we got confimiation of funding for April (having to use our own
limited reserves to keep going). This was eventually extended to June and finally July. The valiant
efforts of board, members and staff (I sin￿relY thank them all for their dedication and co-operation)
made strenuous efforts through the CTA (Community Transport Association) local political
representatives, local press, and radiom/ to appeal for sanity and provide funding for this much
needed service.
As regards funding post July nothing is certain, the allocation will probably be based on last years
allocation with possibly 5-10 % cut and with no allowance for inflation further cuts to the service are
envisaged and possible staff reductions which would obviously seriously affect transport provision
for our members. We would appeal to all members to strongly raise the issue with political
representatives in the area.
Over the past year we have made arduous efforts to maintain the service using our resources to
continue in so far as possible transport provision, but we can only do that for a short time. As
directors we are legally obliged to maintain sufficient funds for an orderly rundown should no further
funding be available. We have made various applications to other funding bodies in an attempt to
supplement the funding provided by DFI, but we were not successful however our efforts continue,
and I trust that we will be successful.
We were disappointed that we were unable to obtain an electric powered minibus due to the
company which took our order going into liquidation. Lower running costs and environmental
factors would have been an advantage. We have as far as possible been able to meet requests for
transport but there remains a gap in transport provision to hospitals (Craigavon/Daisy Hill/South
Tyrone and perhaps Belfast). We are trying to Sour￿ a funder to meet this specific need who
would hopefully provide the much-needed funds.
Overall, the situation does not look great in temis of community transport provision. Vvhen we look
at the budget for Northern Ireland almost £7.5 Billion goes on health and over £2.5 Billion on
Education (A total of £10 Billion) that does not leave a lot to be allocated to other departments.
Vvhen we look at Community Transport funding for all Northern Ireland it is £2.5 Million - a very
small amount.
As I have stressed in previous reports, we are a vital link in community cohesion and we would ask
you, our members to make your voices heard. While on that topic I would remind you that DFI are
currently carrying out two consultations. The first one in is seeking views of those within the Section
75 groups (Elderly, Disabled, Women) to respond to how you would be affected if funding was cut to
Community Transport. Response sheets were issued to everyone, and we strongly urge you to
respond. This closes on 7th August 2023. The second consultation is in respect of the Translink
public transport pass (entitlement to freeldiscounted fares on busesftrains including transport
provided by ART). Many of our members avail of this scheme and we (ART) can claim some
money from the Department when members use their pass when travelling with us. This closes
on24th August 2023 and again we strongly urge you to respond.
This has been a difficult report to write with little positive to say, bLrt one thing remains, were still
here and were still fighting.
Dermot Mooney, Chairperson of Armagh Rural Transport

PROJECT MANAGER'S REVIEW
As Manager of Armagh Rural Transport (ART) l am delighted to welcome everyone here today to our
Twenty-third Annual General Meeting. I present our Annual Review for 2022123.
Dial a Lift and Assisted Rural Trans
ort Scheme
Dial a Lift (DAL) and the Assisted Rural Transport Scheme (ARTS) have now been in operation for
almost 14 years which allows individual members to travel between the hours of 8am and 6pm,
Monday to Friday. Over the year ART have completed 9,541 passenger trips and supported 894
users, 49 of which were new members. Within the DAL service members can avail of the Assisted
Rural Transport Scheme (ARTS) project which allows individuals who have a Smart Pass to receive
cOn￿SsiOnary fares while they travel.
Disabiltt Action Trans
ort Scheme
DATS
ART have a Servi￿ level agreement with Disabilty Action Transport Scheme (DATS) and have
delivered transport to our urban members in the Armagh area for the past 10 years. We have
welcomed this opportunity to serve the urban population which enables us to provide a cohesive
service and make better use of our resources. A total of 1280 trips were completed supporting 368
people.
Grou
Hire
Our group hire continues to recover from the COVID19 pandemic as it was paused initially and has
had a slow start with many groups only beginning to return. We completed 4740 trips between April
2022 to March 2023. Of the 4740 trips the main purpose of using ART'S transport was to avail of
Religion 39 %, followed by Recreation activities 34 %. As we put the pandemic behind us it is hoped
that groups will avail of ART'S transport options that we provide with using ART'S driver or training
their own volunteer driver to complete trips on their behalf despite the cost-of-living crisis that we have
now moved intol
Ulster Farmers Union Donation
ART were quite simply delighted to receive a donation from the Ulster Farmers Union under their
Agency Giving Fund of £6.379. In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis with fuel and electricity costs
rocketing we were overyoyed to receive this which helped us to bridge the gap in our finances.
Trans
ort to Hos
ital
We wanted to continue to support as many from our local community as we could including offering
transport to hospitals. A total of 127 trips were completed to hospitals outside of our operational area.
Chan
es Vehicles
At the beginning of April 2022. we were delighted to finally take delivery of a long awaited new 10-
seater minibus from TBC. There were numerous delays due to COVID, floods and fires in factories
to name the most startling! We also sold an older 10-seater minibus which had started giving
mechanical bother. This resulted in remaining static, and we therefore still have a fleet of 5
vehicles, made up of 3x 16-seater minibuses and 2x 10-seater minibuses which are all fully
aC￿Ssible.
Chan
es Staff
There have been no changes to our staff team throughout the year.
Thanks
There have been many challenges and uncertainties this past year however we in ART can pride
ourselves on having a reliable, efficient organisation that continues to provide a safe essential
transport service for our local community largely thanks to our small but dedicated team of staff and
volunteers who offer enthusiasm, hard work, on-going commitment, and loyalty. Therefore, we
cannot let this opportunity go by without saying a Big Thank you to all Staff Members.. Frances,

Majella, Gerrard, Diane W, Sharon, Robert, John, Martin & Glenn. Also, our Volunteers.. Jim,
Eugene, Alan, Pamela and Peter. Thanks also go to our Management Committee for the time,
commitment and experience they bring to the organisation. I would like to acknowledge our core
Funders: Dfl through the Rural Transport Fund and DEARA who have been extremely invaluable
and played a vital part in the provision of the services we provide.
Future
In Armagh, like all other Community Transport operators, threats, uncertainties and worries have been
our bed mate from February 2023 where we were first advised that it was uncertain ifwe would receive
funding for the 2023124 financial year. I'd like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who supported
our #SaveOurCT campaign by calling or writing letters of support to DFI, MPS, MLAS and local
councillors to highlight how valuable and vital the service is to the local community. We fully intend
to keep pressure on Dfl for adequate levels of continuous funding for the remainder of this year and
in the future. #SaveOurCT campaign still has lots to dol
Dfl will continue to provide funding for 2023-24 at the same level as last year up to the end of July
2023, we are still anxious given re￿nt press around budget cuts and what that translates to in terms
of funding for the remainder of the year, however we are hopeful clarity will be provided soon.
Meanwhile, its 'business as usual,! One thing remains sure we will continue to do our upmost to get
the best possible outcomes for our membersl
Diane Irwin - Project Manager
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The overall aim of ART'S work is to improve the quality of life through the provision of affordable,
flexible, and accessible transport to our members.
Key Activities for the year:
Southern Area Partnership (SAP)
Armagh Rural Transport (ART) in conjunction with Down Amiagh Rural Transport (DART) and Newry
and Moume Community Transport (NMCT) continue to work in close partnership. We jointly deliver
the Dial-A-Lift (DAL) Transport Services to our members in the rural areas of Armagh, Banbridge,
Craigavon. Newry and Mourne. With the aim to reduce Rural Isolation by providing an Affordable,
Accessible, Safe and Reliable servi￿.
Community Transport Association Nl {CTA NI)
The Community Transport Association (CTA) is a national charity that represents and supports
providers of community transport.. thousands of local charities and community groups across the UK
including ART. CTA Nl offer advice, guidance. and training, contribute to the formation of public policy
and champion the work of the CT sector. We meet bi-monthly.
Armagh Foodbank
ART has been involved with Armagh Foodbank from 2015. Armagh foodbank is a crisis foodbank
where you are referred by an agency to receive help of 3 days emergency food supplies. ART support
this local charity by offering a collection point to accept donations from the community. To date
875.95Kg has been donated via ART.

ART - Snapshot of the Year
Armagh Rural Transport delivered across Armagh:
1. Dial A Lift (DAL): Individual Transport Services to Rural Dwellers
0 894 members including 49 new members
0 107 regular and active users
0 9544 passenger trips completed
2. Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS): Individual Transport Services to Urban
Dwellers
0 18 regular and active users
0 1280 passenger trips completed
3. Group Hire:
0 183 group members
0 4,788 passenger trips completed
3. Training:
o We provided MIDAS, and MIDAS Car & MPV Driver Training with 8 Nominated Drivers
o We trained our Manager in Adult Safeguarding Champion and Keeping Adults Safe:
Recruitment, Selection & Management; Minute Taking and Basic 1st Aid
o We trained our Committee, Staff and Volunteers in Safeguarding Awareness
o We trained our deputy safeguarding champion Dermot Mooney in Adult Safeguarding Champion.
o We trained our drivers in periodic Driver CPC & Epilepsy Management
ART Strategy for Sustainability
ART board of directors and management take the strategy and sustainability very seriously. The
funding and political future remains extremely uncertain in Northern Ireland within the current climate
howeverART has successfully built up a firm foundation and a reserve base to ensure we can weather
the tough times.
Despite a future that appears to remain new and quite uncertain, we remain very positive and pro-
active to ensure our financial resources are maximised for our members.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The direct benefits which flow from our purposes and activities include..
Strengthened ability of groups and individuals to avail of work, volunteering, recreational
health and personal activities through transport provision in the Armagh Area which will
improve their circumstances and opportunities"
Maximising Access in Rural Areas to serVi￿S.
Access to Rural Transport Funding to tackle poverty and rural needs.
Access to micro-grants to tackle poverty and rural needs.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FINANCIAL POSITION AT END OF YEAR
For the year 2023 our income is £212,282 (2022: £233,897) a decrease of £21,615. Our organisation
remains in a relatively strong financial position.
OUTSTANDING DEBTS OR LIABILITIES
£94,179 will fall due within one year.

RESERVES POLICY
A Reserves Policy is in place which allows for an annual reserve to be held to ensure that 6 months
of the organisations core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty. For the
current year this is estimated to equate to £260,443. The actual reserves at 31 March 2023 are
£112,943. To ensure that the organisation holds sufficient reserves to meet any potential scenarios
ART aim to add a minimum of £5,000 to our reserves each year however this has not been possible
in recent years.
ART'S Reserves Policy details why reserves are held, and the level of reserves appropriate for the
charity. Designated reserves for various purposes are detailed and a cash flow fund is held to bridge
any potential gaps or shortfalls in funding streams and to underpin services that are experiencing
cash flow problems. A staffing fund is held to cover all redundancy costs in additional to a designated
reserve for the purpose of vehicle replacement.
The trustees review the level of free reserves required (that is those funds not tied up in fixed assets,
designated and restricted funds) on an annual basis to ensure continuity of charitable operations.
FINANCIAL MITIGATION
The Trustees of ART acknowledge and understand the current financial, environmental and political
situation and are taking steps to both control and manage the situation in this current year. The
Trustees are confident of the performan￿ of the organisation for the coming 12-month period and
will keep a watching brief on the accounts in these austere times. ART receives core funding from
the Department for Infrastructure's Rural Transport Fund in addition to seeking funding from a range
of government and charitable organisations and discharges these funds in pursuit of its charitable
objectives and the particular services we provide.
FUNDS HELD BY THE CHARITY AS A CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE
The Charity holds no funds as custodian trustees on behalf of others.
FUTURE STRATEGY
The Company plans to continue in developing its services in line with its strategic priorities outlined
above and it will seek to develop collaborative partnerships within the Southern Area and other
Community Transport Partnerships. Funding arrangements will be kept under review in relation to
demands for the service and constraints on public expenditure. As a Community Transport
organisation, we take seriously our role in supporting the local rural and communty infrastructure,
disseminating best practice. and sharing opportunities so that communtties can move away from
loneliness and isolation.
BENEFICIARIES
The charity's beneficiaries are people living in rural and urban Armagh who meet our criteria and
become members.
RESTRICTIONS ON WHO CAN BENEFIT
Only Members may avail of our Servi￿S.
Fares vary depending on the service availed off.
PRIVATE BENEFIT
Volunteers receive valuable experien￿ and satisfaction in addition to out of pocket expenses.
HARM
No harm has flowed from any of our Purposes.

SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORTING
There are no serious incidents to report.
VULNERABLE BENFICIARIES
Appropriate Policies, Procedures and Training are in place such as Safeguarding and POCVA
Policies and Procedures.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
The Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission Nl's Public
Benefit Guidan￿ when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidan￿ is relevant.
By order of the Board:
Chairperson (For the accounting period)
1st August 2023