To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline planned improvements in (i) pedestrian; and (ii) cycle access for the area surrounding the new Ulster University Belfast Campus.

You will be aware I announced the creation of a Walking and Cycling Champion in my Department with responsibility for taking forward work to deliver safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine. This is an important way to achieve higher levels of sustainable transport and fewer car journeys.

I am fully committed to working with partners in the Executive including the Minister for Communities to look at opportunities to provide better walking and cycling facilities around the Ulster University Belfast Campus and better walking and cycling infrastructure to make good connections to it from across Belfast city centre.

The area round the new Ulster University Belfast Campus is part of the Department for Communities Belfast Streets Ahead Phase 3 project. As part of the design proposals for this scheme, improved pedestrian crossings on York Street and Frederick Street are proposed. In addition, new cycle stands on Frederick Street are planned along with shared cycle lanes along York Street and Royal Avenue. Funding for the construction phase of the project has not yet been confirmed. However, the Department for Communities is working with the Department for Infrastructure and Belfast City Council to explore how improvements for pedestrians and cyclists can be achieved ahead of the Phase 3 project.