AQW 26111/11-15

Mr Peter Weir
Democratic Unionist Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 23/09/2013
Answered On Date: 08/10/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what strategy is being pursued to integrate transport facilities, including cycling.

Answer:

I published the New Approach to Regional Transportation in March last year, which has at its core a strong focus on the integration of transport facilities. Through this document, I set out my commitment to an integrated, modern, reliable and environmentally efficient transportation network that meets the needs of communities and business. I believe the people of Northern Ireland deserve nothing less.

In publishing the Active Travel Strategy this year, I set out my ambition to put walking and cycling at the heart of our local transport arrangements, to encourage a healthier, less stressful and lower cost alternative to the car for many shorter daily journeys.

This was followed by my Department’s publication of an Action Plan for Active Travel which covers the period up to 2015. The plan sets out initiatives and strategies that will be taken forward by government departments, local authorities and voluntary bodies to encourage more cycling and walking and less dependency on private cars.

The integration of cycling with public transport facilities and private car usage is an ambition which I am determined to realise. In line with this, officials in my Department have been taking forward work to develop a Transport Delivery Plan for the next Budget Period of 2015-19, which will include projects to encourage integrated transport facilities as well as help to achieve the strategic objectives of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Alongside this, I have established a new Cycling Unit within my Department, which will explore a number of issues including the integration of new and existing transport facilities with cycle-friendly measures.