AQW 12844/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/06/2024
Answered On Date: 18/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for an update on the proposed North-South Glider route; and (ii) to detail whether the route will serve Carryduff.

Answer:

The estimated cost of the North Belfast to South Belfast Glider route is currently in the range of £142m to £148m. £35m of funding has been secured through Belfast Region City Deal.

My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues and the Belfast Region City Deal Partners to ensure that the appropriate level of investment is made available to deliver the project.

In my previous tenure as Minister for Infrastructure I announced the North to South Belfast Glider route from Carryduff in the south, along the Antrim Road to Glengormley. To ensure the correct decision is made, officials are currently finalising feasibility studies to determine the viability of extending the routes into Glengormley and Carryduff.