Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, has announced a £2.8 million funding investment package towards the development of six greenway projects.
Minister Mallon made the announcement today during a visit to the Lagan Gateway Greenway which will be one of the projects to benefit from investment.
She said:
“Since becoming Minister I have made clear my desire to change the way we travel and I have had the opportunity to see and hear at first-hand how greenways can impact our physical and mental wellbeing, whether that is during a daily commute or to enjoy some leisure time.
“In June I committed £20 million for blue/green infrastructure and to working with all Council areas in identifying and delivering active travel and greenway projects. Today I am delighted to commit £2.8 million from that fund towards these six worthy projects.
“The four Councils to benefit have indicated that the schemes would be ready to begin work in the 2020/21 financial year. However, it is important to say this is just the beginning. I want to see more greener and cleaner places across our island, where families and communities can thrive. These projects are the start of that change and we need to work together in government, in council and in our communities to deliver more change right across the North.
“Today I have written to each of these councils asking them to urgently submit their business cases so that funding can be secured and construction can begin at the earliest possible opportunity.
“I look forward to seeing the schemes completed and more peopleout enjoying their local environment, either by walking, wheeling or cycling.”
Notes to editors:
- The six Greenways projects are as follows:
- Forth Meadow Community Greenway (Belfast City Council) – total capital costs £750,000
- Lagan Gateway Greenway – from Lagan Gateway pedestrian and cycle bridge to Belvoir Forest Park (Belfast City Council) – total capital cost £1.1 million
- Strabane North Greenway (Derry City and Strabane District Greenway) – total capital costs £980,000
- Strathfoyle Greenway – (Derry City and Strabane District Greenway) total capital costs £2.56 million
- Banbridge Riverside Walk – Lighting Provision (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council) – total capital costs £180,000
- North Down Coastal Path – widening near Stricklands Glen (Ards and North Down Borough Council) total capital costs £25,000
- The funding package announced today will provide 50% of the above costs for each scheme. In order to progress the delivery of greenway projects, Councils need to provide business cases to the Department indicating part funding of the other 50%.
- Final funding will be subject to the approval of the relevant business case and DOF approval to the proposed grants.
- The Department previously provided funding to Councils for the development of greenway feasibility studies and detailed designs under the ‘Small Grants for Greenways’ programme. In ‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: a Strategic Plan for Greenways’ (November 2016).
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
- Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure
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