Kimmins announces over £1m for seven greenway projects
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced funding of over £1m to support three councils to deliver seven active travel projects and County Down is to receive support for four projects.
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is to receive feasibilty and design support for three greenways at Newry to Poyntzpass; Downpatrick to Ardglass Greenway and Ballynahinch ‘Spur’.
- Belfast City Council – Sydenham Greenway -to develop the feeder greenway through Alderman Thomas Patton Park to provide a connection from the Holywood Road.
Announcing the investment, Minister Kimmins said: “My Department wrote to councils earlier this year inviting them to submit proposals for greenway projects to be considered for 50% capital funding support.
“I am delighted to now issue letters of offer to deliver seven projects within the council areas of Belfast City Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and Derry City and Strabane District Council.
“This funding, totalling £1.05m, will be used to help these councils deliver on their priorities for active travel and builds on my commitment to support councils to realise their ambitions and to develop their longer term plans for greenways.
The Minister added: “Creating cleaner and greener connections is one of my Department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future and I want to focus on delivering positive change for people, the economy and the environment which will build the foundations for a better future.
“By working together, we can create cleaner and greener connections that are aligned with regional needs and priorities.
“Creating spaces that encourage more people to consider walking, wheeling and cycling for their shorter everyday journeys is not just good for the environment but is also beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing.”
The Department for Infrastructure will provide funding for these schemes spanning the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years. All proposals will be subject to public expenditure processes, before final funding is agreed.
The funding is for 50% capital funding of the total costs with the other 50% to be met by councils/other sources.
