£25,000 for proposed new Greenisland Greenway

The Department for Infrastructure has provided funding of £25,000 to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to further develop a new greenway between Monkstown and Greenisland.

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 kilometre network across Northern Ireland.  The Greenway at Greenisland is an exciting opportunity to link two communities and creates a 2.7 kilometre traffic-free path between Monkstown and Greenisland. Its development aligns with our strategic plan and we look forward to working with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to bring this scheme to fruition.” 

Anne Donaghy, Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: 

“Greenways across our Borough are in the future plans for Mid and East Antrim. I am delighted to hear that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s feasibility study for the Greenisland Greenway has been successful and will progress to the next stage. Thanks to the £25,000 of funding which will now be coming from the Department, we will ensure that we deliver a robust bid and detailed design in order to apply for 75% funding to see this exciting project through to completion.

“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is committed to developing greenways throughout our Borough as the people of Mid and East Antrim recognise the many social, economic and environmental benefits that greenways bring to an area. The Greenisland Greenway is just one way that this Council aims to meet the environmental and access needs of our citizens as captured through our community planning process. Greenways offer an opportunity to connect existing walking and cycling routes to encourage less dependency on cars as well as promote good health and wellbeing.”

In conclusion Mr 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: 

1. 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.
2. Two other Councils have received grants of £25,000 to develop Greenways in their area:

• Ards and North Down Borough Council - Comber to Newtownards       Greenway; and
• Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council – Carryduff Greenway

3. 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.
4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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