Mallon announces pilot scheme to light the Comber Greenway
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that a pilot scheme to light the urban section of the Comber Greenway will commence in 2022.
The Minister made the announcement today as the outcome of the public consultation seeking views on a potential lighting scheme was published.
The Comber Greenway is a popular traffic free route between Belfast and Comber however the number of people using it drop off during the evenings and in the winter months.
Publishing the consultation report today Minister Mallon said:
“Active travel and the development of greenways is key to my green recovery agenda and I welcome public support to provide lighting on the Comber Greenway which will assist those who wish to walk, wheel or cycle all year round.
“I am delighted that over 1,700 people responded to the consultation with the vast majority in favour of a lighting scheme. A total of 81% supported lighting the Comber Greenway along the urban section including 65% of those who own property backing on to the Greenway.
“I have therefore taken the decision to proceed with a pilot lighting scheme between Beersbridge Road and Billy Neill Halt.
“The introduction of a new red spectrum lighting scheme, the first of its kind on these islands, will make travel throughout the whole year more feasible while also minimising light pollution and protecting the local environment and bat population along this corridor.
“The pilot will be reviewed by my Department after two years and will help form a decision on whether the scheme should be further extended along the rural section between Billy Neill Halt and Comber.”
Minister Mallon added:
"In addition I will also be implementing a further pilot scheme to introduce route signs and guidance between the Knock Road and East Link section. Once in place these signs will enhance the experience for visitors and regular users allowing more people to enjoy this shared space in a safe manner."
Work on the lighting scheme is expected to commence in summer 2022.
Further details on the consultation are available at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/consultation-report-lighting-comber-greenway
Notes to editors:
- The Public consultation ran from 16 August to 30 September 2021. There were three options which formed the basis of the public consultation:
- Option 1 – do nothing , no lighting on the greenway
- Option 2 – Light the urban part of the greenway (Beersbridge Road – Billy Neill Halt)
- Option 3 – Light all of the greenway (Beersbridge Road – Comber: including the rural part from Billy Neill Halt to Comber).
- There were approx. 1700 responses to the consultation. Of the three options, Option 1 (no lighting) was chosen by 19% of respondents; Option 2 (light the urban part of the greenway) was chosen by 22%; and, Option 3 (light the entire greenway) was chosen by 58%. Taking these numbers together indicates 81% overall support for lighting the urban part of the greenway and 58% support for lighting the rural part.
- In terms of the 373 respondents who indicated that their properties were adjacent to the greenway, Option 1 (no lighting) was chosen by 35% of respondents; Option 2 (light the urban part of the greenway) was chosen by 22%; and, Option 3 (light the entire greenway) was chosen by 43%. Taking these numbers together indicates 65% overall support for lighting the urban part of the greenway and 43% support for lighting the rural part.
- The lighting design recommends the use of a red light spectrum to minimise disturbance to bat colonies. It also recommends the use of back louvres on the light heads and shorter columns. This will minimise not only light spill into the hedgerows to protect the bats, but also diminish light pollution into adjoining properties.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.