Up to 60 new accident and emergency ambulances will be purchased over the next three years as part of a £17million capital investment in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).

In addition, a further 60 non-emergency vehicles and 26 rapid response vehicles are planned over the same period.

The new vehicles will be used to replace older ambulances and, thanks to a multi-million investment over the next 10 years, will allow the ambulance service to move to a running replacement programme which will, in time, ensure no vehicle will be more than five years old.

“For too many years, the NIAS has suffered from a lack of investment but now will benefit from a major funding boost.

"I plan to invest a further £2.5million over the next three years, which is in addition to the £14.5million already allocated to fleet and equipment replacement, as a result of the comprehensive spending review,” said Northern Ireland public safety minister, Michael McGimpsey.

“I am aware of recent concerns over the age and condition of the NIAS fleet.

"This is without doubt the largest investment in the history of the NIAS.