AQW 25651/11-15

Mr Peter Weir
Democratic Unionist Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 12/09/2013
Answered On Date: 30/09/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether he has any plans to increase spending on cycling initiatives.

Answer:

I have asked my officials to ensure that there is a greater focus and priority on measures to assist cyclists in the future and am establishing a cycling unit in my Department to ensure that this is achieved. I also intend to bid for additional in-year funding for cycling infrastructure, when opportunities arise.

As part of the New Approach to Regional Transportation my Department is currently developing transport spending proposals which will feed into the next Programme for Government budget. This is being undertaken through a policy fit process which will identify those transport schemes which will best achieve the strategic objectives of the Northern Ireland Executive. As such future budgets for transport initiates have yet to be agreed for the forthcoming years.

My Department is providing £4.3m to fund active travel Demonstration projects in Belfast, Londonderry, Craigavon and Strabane. I have also more recently committed £50k for my Department to undertake a Feasibility Study into a cycle / pedestrian footbridge over the River Lagan close to the gasworks site. Furthermore, my Department’s Roads Service plans to implement around 4.5km of new cycle lanes.