AQW 4291/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure

To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on Blue Green Infrastructure projects in East Belfast.

Asked by Peter McReynolds MLA on 7 October 2022

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
7 October 2022
Answer due by
24 October 2022
Answered
24 October 202217 days after tabling
Department
Department for Infrastructure
Priority question
No

Answer

I am keen to support sustainable transport options that connect communities, tackle the impact of climate change and improve lives. A number of blue green infrastructure projects have been completed in East Belfast with several others currently planned.

Earlier this year my Department widened a portion of the Comber Greenway from Billy Neil Playing Fields to the Enler River Bridge. As part of this project, maintenance work adjacent to the Enler River Bridge was also completed.

My Department has also completed tree and shrub planting at the following locations:

•Comber Greenway (additional sites to those already completed in 2021);

•Armitage Close, Sydenham; and

•Carncaver Road, Lisnasharragh.

A number of small-scale accessible dropped kerb schemes have been identified in the East Belfast area including; Belmont Road and Dundela Area, Euston Street, Inverary Avenue, Tamery Pass and Montrose Street South. These are due to be installed during the 2022/23 financial year.

Proposals for a Sydenham Greenway have undergone public consultation and my officials are currently finalising the Consultation report.

Informal consultation on the proposed improvements to the Cycle route on Island Street is now complete. Work on finalising the design is underway and officials plan to formally consult on proposals in early 2023.

Similarly, my officials have completed informal consultation on the proposed Cycle route on Montgomery Road. Work on finalising the design is underway and officials plan to formally consult on proposals in early 2023.

It is also planned to provide a link from Millars Lane to the Comber Greenway in the 2023/24 financial year.

My Department is currently preparing a feasibility study to enhance the Ravenhill Road section of the Belfast Cycling Network from the Albertbridge Road to the junction with the Ormeau Road.

Official sources