Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon has awarded Sustrans a grant of £50,000 to carry out an assessment of the current state of greenway development across Northern Ireland and to develop a phased programme for greenway delivery with councils.
Minister Mallon with Caroline Bloomfield from Sustrans. Credit: Department for Infrastructure
Supporting councils to develop greenway proposals
Minister Mallon said: “Last year, I announced over £4 million of capital grant funding in support of council greenway projects.
“Councils have welcomed this funding but I have also been approached about the need for further assistance in the development of greenway proposals.
“I am therefore pleased to announce a programme of greenway development support for councils, which will start this year.
“I have awarded a grant of £50,000 to Sustrans to carry out an assessment of the current state of greenway development across the north and to develop a phased programme of greenway delivery in consultation with councils.
“This will lay a good foundation for a coordinating role for the overall greenway programme, technical advice, advice on stakeholder consultation and support for councils in the delivery of greenway schemes.”
Creating sustainable transport options that connect communities
“By providing this dedicated resource, we can progress delivery of the greenway proposals, as set out in Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: A Strategic Plan for Greenways.
“And we'll be doing so with a more strategic and coordinated approach, raising the priority of greenway schemes within councils and with other stakeholders.
“I want to work with all councils and key stakeholders to assist in the development of greenways as part of my vision to enable greater sustainable transport options that connect communities, tackle the impact of climate change and improve lives.”
Building high quality greenways across Northern Ireland
Sustrans Northern Ireland Director Caroline Bloomfield welcomed our being appointed to this coordinating role:
“We look forward to working with all 11 councils to understand the current state of greenway development across Northern Ireland.
“And to supporting them to develop plans for greenways in their local council area.
“Once built, our aim is that these traffic-free routes will be adopted as part of the UK-wide National Cycle Network which we are custodian of.”
