Help shape future transport proposals in Derry and the North West

The Department for Infrastructure is working with Derry City and Strabane District Council and others across the North West region to begin drafting proposals for the North West Transport Plan 2035. Everyone is encouraged to share their views at this early stage in the process.

Meeting our climate commitments means we all have to think carefully about how we travel. We all need to play our part by considering what journeys we can make by walking, cycling or using public transport as we seek to reduce emissions and help tackle climate change. 

This Transport Plan will cover local transport issues, including active travel, public transport, the local road network, and parking. We are at the beginning of the process and are encouraging you to have your say by helping shape the Vision and Objectives, and by identifying local transport concerns. 

Together we want to create a plan that will deliver real change to your everyday journeys within the North West, to make it a better place to live, work and study, as well as reducing emissions and improving air quality.  

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “The future of transport really matters because the transport system, and how we travel, influences every aspect of our daily lives. We need to strike the right balance between car use and creating the right conditions for more use of public transport and active travel.

"I am committed to tackling regional imbalance and want to hear from as many people as possible to understand local challenges and priorities, to ensure that the new Transport Plan maximises potential in the North West.  

"Getting infrastructure right, and investing in it accordingly, can create the foundations for better rural and urban communities and unlock a more prosperous, productive and healthier society.”

The questionnaire, which is available online until 5 November 2024 at the following link https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/nwtp2035, seeks views on a range of current transport challenges and the opportunities to improve the sustainability of the local transport system by supporting people to choose the most sustainable mode of travel for their journey. 

Several public drop-in sessions will be held in the Council district in late September. More details of these events will be posted on the project webpage and on the Department's social media platforms when they are confirmed.

The Transport Plan is being prepared in 6 stages. These are:

• Stage 1 is the collection of evidence and developing a draft vision and objectives.
• Stage 2 is the identification and assessment of various transport options that could be included within the Transport Plan.
• Stage 3 involves the refinement of the various transport options.
• Stage 4 will involve public consultation of the draft Transport Plan and the associated assessments.
• Stage 5 will involve the consideration of the consultation responses, and then the publication of the final Transport Plan.
• Stage 6 is the monitoring and evaluation of the Transport Plan