To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any plans exist to assist private coach operators as a result of downturn in trade due to COVID-19.

Regulation and support for the transport sector is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure. However, I am aware that coach operators have been particularly badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges facing our coach sector have been stressed to me via the Tourism Recovery Steering Group and Working Group that I established to help our tourism industry to emerge from COVID-19. I recognise that they are a key component in our transport infrastructure and the connectivity provided by coaches is particularly important to our tourism industry. I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to consider what further support we can provide as we plan for economic recovery. Any decisions on funding of further support measures will require be a matter for Executive agreement.

Coach operators were eligible to apply to the Business Support Schemes implemented by my Department. Approximately 20 companies listed as coach / bus hire or tour businesses availed of these grants, receiving either £10k or £25k, depending on their circumstances. Coach businesses were also able to apply for the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund, again provided the eligibility criteria were met.

Outside of the Business Support Schemes implemented by my Department, other local and UK-wide support have been available to businesses. In Northern Ireland, all businesses have received a four months rates holiday, and a full year’s rates relief has been introduced for businesses in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors. A range of UK-wide measures are available such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme. Details of these schemes can be found at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus