To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan will include measures to promote the decarbonisation of transport in NI.

I am committed to tackling the climate emergency and doing all that we can, as quickly as we can, to reduce our emissions. In that regard, I have recently invested £50m in 100 zero emission double deck vehicles for our bus network. These buses will be delivered by spring 2022 and will be made up of 20 hydrogen and 80 battery electric vehicles. This is in addition to the three zero emission hydrogen buses that recently went into service within the Belfast Metro network.

In addition, Translink has a strategic vision to see fully zero emission bus services in Belfast and Derry by 2030, and the whole public transport network to be net zero emission by 2040. They are undertaking an in-depth feasibility study to investigate options for decarbonising the public transport network including the rail network. These studies will consider options for electrification, hydrogen or indeed a combination of both.

My officials are currently developing a new suite of transport plans, and the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) is the first in line for completion. It will set out future investment for our strategic transport networks, by road, rail and bus, as well as active travel.

Officials are continuing to make progress and I intend to publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation in late 2021, with a view to issuing the finalised Plan in spring 2022. The public consultation on the RSTNTP will provide an opportunity for representations to be made on future investment in cleaner transport.