Minister Mallon confirms funding of greenway development support to Councils

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon has announced a programme for providing greenway development support to Councils.

Minister Mallon with Caroline Bloomfield from Sustrans

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 develop a phased programme of greenway delivery in consultation with Councils.        

“This will lay a good foundation for a co-ordinating role for the overall greenway programme, technical advice, advice on stakeholder consultation and support for Councils in the delivery of greenway schemes.

“By providing this dedicated resource, we can progress delivery against the greenway proposals set out in ‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: a Strategic Plan for Greenways’, with a more strategic and co-ordinated approach, raising the priority of greenway schemes within Councils and 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.”

Sustrans Northern Ireland Director Caroline Bloomfield welcomed the charity being appointed to this coordinating role.

Caroline Bloomfield said: “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.

“This is an exciting piece of work which will ultimately enable more people to have access to high quality greenways across Northern Ireland, encouraging walking, wheeling and cycling. Our aim is that these traffic-free routes would then be adopted as part of the UK-wide National Cycle Network which we are guardians of.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption: Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is pictured at Blaris Greenway with Sustrans Northern Ireland Director Caroline Bloomfield.
2. The Minister’s June 2021 announcement of £2.5 million for greenway projects included £1.9 million for projects that were already underway and £0.6 million for projects that could start later in 2021/22.  The Minister announced in November 2021 a further £2 million for greenway projects valued at £2.2 million. Taking account of the £0.6 million already announced, the additional funding is £1.6 million for greenways and over £400k for active travel support measures.
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
4. 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.
5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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