To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what planning policies are in place to presume against applications that will increase traffic onto protected routes (i) directly; and (ii) indirectly.

Policy in relation to transportation and land-use including protected routes is contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (the SPPS). Regional policy is to restrict the number of new accesses and control the level of use of existing accesses onto such roads (subject to some exceptions such as in the case of motorways and high standard dual carriageways, where an exception may be considered for motorway service areas, where there is demonstrable need).

This is a long established policy approach designed to maximise the efficient movement of goods and people over long distances and also maintain road safety. Where a development proposal is likely to increase traffic onto a protected route directly (for example through an access onto the protected route) or indirectly, the relevant planning authority will consider this policy in consultation with my Department as appropriate, and all other material planning considerations, before taking a decision.