Newcastle area benefits as Kimmins announces £1.9m for greenways and active travel projects
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £1.9m funding boost to support councils to deliver seven active travel projects across the North.
And Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Newcastle Active Travel Hub will receive support for improving active travel connections and enabling infrastructure.
Announcing the investment, Minister Kimmins said:xa0“Creating cleaner and greener connections is one of my department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future.
“Active travel initiatives are a tangible way of delivering on that vision, as they are designed to foster a healthier environment and improve community wellbeing by encouraging sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, wheeling, and cycling.
“Last year my Department wrote to councils inviting them to submit proposals for greenway and active travel related projects to be considered for capital funding support.xa0
“Seven projects have now been identified and I am delighted to allocate £1.9m to help those councils deliver on their priorities for active travel.
“My department is committed to supporting councils to realise their ambitions and will continue to work with them to develop their longer term plans for greenways and other active travel related facilities.”
The Minister added:xa0“I want to focus onxa0delivering positive change for people, the economy and the environment which will build the foundations for a better future.
“Byxa0working together, we can create cleaner and greener connections that are aligned with regional needs and priorities.
“Creating places that encourage more people to consider walking, wheeling and cycling as part of their daily routine is
The Department for Infrastructure will provide funding for these schemes spanning the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years. All proposals will be subject to public expenditure processes, before final funding is agreed.
The other 6 projects to benefit from the funding are:
•xa0Mid-Ulster District Council – Dungannon Park Active Travel Pedestrian / Cycle Route improvements; and Dungannon Park Active Travel Route Lighting Upgrade.
•xa0Belfast City Council – Introduction of E-bikes to the Belfast Bikes Scheme; Under The Bridges project – Supporting connectivity in greater Clarendon area; and Sailortown / Titanic Quarter Bridge – Support for scheme development to RIBA stage 2.
•xa0Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council – Valley Park Active Travel infrastructure improvements.
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Active Travel Scheme For Newcastle Welcomed by Sinn Féin Reps
Sinn Féin representatives South Down MLA Cathy Mason and Mournes Councillor Willie Clarke have welcomed the £650,000 investment for Active Travel in Newcastle.
Speaking following the announcement, South Down MLA Cathy Mason said: “The £650,000 investment for the Active Travel Hub Project for Newcastle is welcomed news.
“This investment will be transformative for Newcastle and the surrounding areas, including the town’s route to Castlewellan.
“The Hub will improve connectivity, benefit local tourism, schools, and businesses.”
Newcastle Cllr. Willie Clarke added: “This will be a welcome project for Newcastle and the surrounding areas, promoting healthy lifestyle choices that benefit locals and tourists alike.
“Sinn Féin will work with the Department for Infrastructure to ensure this project is delivered.”
