Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has officially unveiled 23 new Accident and Emergency ambulances as part of a wider fleet renewal by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

The programme includes 59 replacement vehicles in total: 23 A&E ambulances, 22 Patient Transport Service vehicles, and 14 Rapid Response Vehicles. The new assets will replace older units that have accumulated high mileage.

NIAS Director of Planning, Performance and Corporate Services Séamus Mullen said the investment is essential to maintain safety, reliability and resilience. He noted that ambulance vehicles operate around the clock and undergo significant wear.

The refreshed fleet is expected to ease maintenance pressures and improve availability. It will also provide a modern working environment for crews, according to NIAS.

Minister Nesbitt described the purchase as a significant investment in emergency healthcare infrastructure. He said the vehicles will help staff deliver safe and timely care across Northern Ireland.

The programme does not increase the overall number of operational vehicles. It is part of a planned replacement strategy to keep the fleet fit for purpose.

NIAS also highlighted the move towards lower-emission technologies, where possible without compromising clinical capability or response performance. The service said it is committed to reducing its environmental impact through fleet modernisation.

The investment was welcomed by the minister as a demonstration of support for frontline staff and communities.