To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the (i) active travel; and (ii) connectivity, plans for the Sailortown area, North Belfast.

My Department is currently progressing a number of Active Travel projects that will improve connectivity for the Sailortown area of North Belfast.

As part of the Belfast Cycling Network, the Sailortown Pedestrian and Cycle Improvement Scheme aims to provide new high quality active travel infrastructure connecting York Street Train Station, Ulster University and the Cathedral Quarter via Dock Street, Corporation Street and Great Patrick Street. Detailed design is ongoing following positive initial public engagement in October 2025, and my Department plans to commence the statutory process required to legislate the new cycle route later this year, once the design has been suitably developed.

In 2024 my Department also allocated £0.3m to Belfast City Council to progress the preliminary scheme development for a potential Titanic/Sailortown bridge. Provision of a new cross harbour pedestrian and cycle bridge at this location would provide a continuous active travel corridor along both sides of the Lagan, improving connections between the Sailortown Community and Queen’s Island/Titanic Quarter. The Council is planning to commence stakeholder engagement in 2026, including engagement on the preferred bridge option.