Kimmins announces progress on signature Active Travel schemes in County Derry

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has provided an update on the Department’s six signature Active Travel schemes.

Consultants have now been commissioned to progress six major active travel schemes for the Department, including three in County Derry.

They are Maydown to Campsie; Bellarena to Bishop’s Gate; and Coleraine to Portstewart.

Commenting, Minister Kimmins said: “I am committed to providing cleaner and greener travel options for people. Active travel is good for the environment and can help to improve the health and wellbeing for those who choose to walk, wheel or cycle for some of their shorter everyday journeys.  These six significant active travel schemes, with a combined length of 40km, are a tangible demonstration of that commitment.

“Meaningful engagement with the public is key to delivering projects of this nature and my Department will bring preliminary proposals to the public for input once these have been suitably developed.

“I recently had the pleasure of attending the official opening of the Newry to Carlingford Greenway which is enjoyed by many people and I heard about the many benefits the scheme brings for the local community and for tourism.  Progression of the Newry Inner City Greenway project will complement that further by connecting the newly completed Greenway to the Newry Canal towpath to Portadown.”

Delivery of the six schemes will be subject to timing of satisfactory completion of all statutory processes and future budget availability.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed progress on the Department for Infrastructure's signature Active Travel schemes in East Derry.

The East Derry MLA said: "I welcome this substantial investment in the East Derry area by Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.

"The announcement of progress on the schemes including Bellarena to Bishop’s Gate and Coleraine to Portstewart in my own constituency is a positive step in providing cleaner and greener travel options for people.

"The community in the Magilligan has campaigned for a footpath along the Seacoast Road for many years and this active travel scheme will be very much welcomed. 

"Progress on both these schemes, following the recent announcement of £1million for active travel schemes in other areas, demonstrates the Minister's commitment to creating a cleaner environment and opportunities for improving the health and wellbeing of those who choose to walk, wheel or cycle.

"I look forward to future engagement with the Minister and her department on these active travel projects."