To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the delivery of the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan 2022-31.

Ms Kimmins

Since the Belfast cycling network delivery plan was published just over three years ago, significant progress has been made on many of the short-term schemes in the plan. A scheme on Lagmore Avenue is in construction, and phase 1A of the west Belfast greenway is programmed to commence in early autumn. Work is also ongoing on the upgrade of existing pedestrian and cycling facilities on Stranmillis Embankment. That work will include a new pedestrian crossing to improve the linkage between the embankment, Queen's Physical Education Centre (PEC) and Botanic Gardens. Environmentally friendly street lighting has been installed on the urban section of the Comber greenway, and Belfast City Council has led the delivery of sections of Forth Meadow greenway and Lagan Gateway. Design work is substantially complete on a further four schemes that are at various stages of the statutory process required to legislate for cycle routes before construction can commence. Design is ongoing or due to commence on a further eight schemes, and officials are working to bring a number of those forward for public engagement later this year. Prioritisation of future schemes in the Belfast cycling network is also being considered by my officials, taking into account the emerging eastern transport plan, which I spoke about earlier, and other significant changes that have occurred in Belfast in recent years, not least the relocation of Ulster University and the increased number of students now living in the city centre.

Mr Speaker

We move on to topical questions.