AQW 3222/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 05/03/2020
Answered On Date: 20/03/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she has any short-term or long-term plans for Donegall Square to be pedestrianised.

Answer:

Over the coming weeks, and working with the Department for Communities and Belfast City Council, I want to carefully consider how my Department can contribute to a more joined-up approach across planning, transport and regeneration in developing Belfast city centre – including Donegall Square – as an attractive, accessible, safe and vibrant space.

Not just for Belfast but for Northern Ireland as a whole, I have a clear vision to increase sustainable travel options that connect communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver benefits for people. I also recognise that bold change is needed to deliver that vision so that we can prioritise space for those who walk and cycle as well as for those who use public transport.

In particular, I will be considering the interesting ideas coming out of the Belfast City Centre Connectivity Study and its 2035 vision of a city centre transformed with a rebalanced street network, providing quality space promoting walking and cycling and ensuring access to high quality, reliable, public transport.

I also plan to continue to engage with civic and other stakeholders in shaping a draft shared vision for central Belfast and with Executive colleagues to help realize that vision.