£25,000 for proposed new Comber to Newtownards Greenway
Date published:
The Department for Infrastructure has provided funding of £25,000 to Ards and North Down Borough Council to develop a new Greenway between Comber and Newtownards.
The funding allocated under Stage 3 of the Small Grants Programme for Greenways will allow the Council to develop detailed designs and a fully worked up project proposal ready for construction.
Andrew Grieve, Department for Infrastructure said:
“Encouraging greater use of active travel is a Programme for Government aspiration and the development of greenways has an important role to play in achieving this.
“They are a key part of our infrastructure as they provide safe and easy access to fresh air and exercise by encouraging more people to walk or cycle on their everyday journeys on a traffic free route.
“Last year the Department for Infrastructure launched ‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: a Strategic Plan for Greenways’ which sets out an ambition for the creation of a 1,000 kilometres network across Northern Ireland.
“The proposed new 12 kilometre greenway between Comber and Newtownards is an extension to the current Comber Greenway and is a primary route in the strategic plan. We look forward to working with North Down and Ards Borough Council to bring this scheme to fruition.”
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, said:
“We are delighted to receive confirmation of this funding and to be able to progress to detailed design on this very exciting project, which shall bring so many benefits to our residents. This investment will compliment work the Council has already completed in the area, such as Comber public realm, and fits with our commitment to promote health and wellbeing opportunities across the borough.
“We look forward to engaging with communities, businesses and landowners as we develop the detailed designs and the project proposal that will bring this project to fruition.”
In conclusion Andrew Grieve said:
“In addition to the grants announced today, the Department is also developing a Capital Grants Funding programme to assist with the cost of constructing greenway schemes. All Councils are therefore encouraged to continue the good work they have been doing in this area as the Programme, when available, will be open to schemes with detailed designs and project bids.”
Notes to editors:
- The Small Grants Programme is a three stage competition. Under Stage 1 Councils were invited to submit Expressions of Interest. In Stage 2 grants were provided to successful councils to develop concept design options through a feasibility study for their proposed greenway schemes. In Stage 3 the highest quality feasibility studies were selected to each receive £25,000 to develop a full business case and detailed design for their proposal.
- Two other Councils have received grants of £25,000 to develop Greenways in their area:
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council – Greenisland Greenway; and
- Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council – Carryduff Greenway
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.