To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his officials have explored adding the Comber Greenway to the winter gritting schedule for (i) 2022; and (ii) 2023.

I have confirmed my commitment to connecting communities and encouraging more active travel and have also indicated that developing a safer, cleaner travel culture is central to my key priorities. I want to carefully consider how best to deliver on my active and sustainable travel ambitions and part of that consideration should involve how we improve conditions for walking, cycling and using public transport in the winter months.

The Comber Greenway is a real asset and I am delighted that its popularity with walkers, wheelers and cyclists continues to grow. However coming up with a solution that would allow it and other greenways and footways to be treated in icy weather does present some significant logistical, financial and resource challenges which, with so many other competing pressures, my Department is unable to take forward at this time.

Should you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.