Infrastructure Minister has announced funding of over
£1m to support three councils to deliver seven active travel
projects.
Announcing the investment, Minister Kimmins said: “My Department
wrote to councils earlier this year inviting them to submit
proposals for greenway projects to be considered for 50% capital
funding support. I am delighted to now issue letters of
offer to deliver seven projects within the council areas of Derry
City and Strabane District Council, Belfast City Council and
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
“This funding, totalling £1.05m, will be used to help these
councils deliver on their priorities for active travel and builds
on my commitment to support councils to realise their ambitions
and to develop their longer term plans for greenways.
The Minister concluded: “Creating cleaner and greener
connections is one of my department's seven Foundations for a
Better Future and I want to focus on delivering positive
change for people, the economy and the environment which will
build the foundations for a better future. By working together,
we can create cleaner and greener connections that are aligned
with regional needs and priorities.
“Creating spaces that encourage more people to consider walking,
wheeling and cycling for their shorter everyday journeys is not
just good for the environment but is also beneficial for our
physical and mental wellbeing.”
Notes to editors:
- The Department for Infrastructure will provide funding for
these schemes spanning the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.
All proposals will be subject to public expenditure processes,
before final funding is agreed.
- The funding is for 50% capital funding of the total costs
with the other 50% to be met by councils/other sources.
- The seven projects to benefit from the funding are:
- Derry City and Strabane District Council - Bay Road Greenway
Lighting Project; Drumahoe Park and Greenway Lighting Project;
Foyle Valley Greenway Lighting Project
- Belfast City Council - Sydenham Greenway -to develop the
feeder greenway through Alderman Thomas Patton Park to provide a
connection from the Holywood Road
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council – Feasibilty and
design for three greenways at Newry to Poyntzpass;
Downpatrick to Ardglass Greenway and Ballynahinch ‘Spur'
