To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on work being undertaken by her Department for the provision of a new safe off-road cycling path between Belfast and Bangor.

The development of off-road paths (greenways) is the responsibility of local Councils rather than my Department. However, I am keen to support Councils in the development of their off-road, traffic-free greenway paths and have already provided £6 million of capital grant funding for Council greenway projects.

I have already indicated to the Member in my answer to AQW 24999/17-22 that there are significant practical challenges to be considered in respect of providing a separated cycle facility along the 2½ mile stretch of the A2 from Ballyrobert to Holywood. While my Department currently has no plans to develop a scheme on this section of road, I have asked my officials to continue to consult with Ards and North Down Borough Council to ascertain if any other options may be available for a potential scheme which could align with their active travel priorities.