To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what engagement has taken place between his Department and Ulster University with regards to the pedestrian crossing at Frederick Street and Great Patrick Street, given the increase in students and pedestrian traffic required to cross at this junction.

There has been ongoing engagement between my Department and Ulster University since preliminary discussions took place prior to the submission of the planning application for the new campus in the spring of 2012.

The most recent engagement with the Ulster University has been through regular meetings of the Junctions Working Group, a group which is chaired by Department for Communities which brings together a number of key stakeholders, including Ulster University, to discuss development proposals for the three junctions at North/West Belfast: York Street/ Frederick Street/Great Patrick Street; Carrick Hill/ Clifton Street; and Carrick Hill/ Peter’s Hill.

Officials have also been engaging with their University counterparts in meetings to discuss their Transport Operational Readiness Plan, the most recent of which took place on Tuesday 6 September 2022.

Following on from our engagement with Ulster University, the Department intends to bring forward a scheme to enhance the existing pedestrian crossings at the York Street/ Frederick Street/Great Patrick Street junction with works due to commence early next month.

Should you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Eastern Division at: dfiroads.eastern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.