To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Tillysburn Park and Ride project.

You will be aware of my Department’s proposal to develop a Park and Ride site at Tillysburn, on ground situated between Holywood Road and Sydenham Bypass. This new Park and Ride at Tillysburn will, when it is built, provide around 500 spaces.

In March 2018, a public consultation on a Park & Ride proposal was undertaken. The Planning Application, that was intended to follow the consultation, was delayed to allow for design changes identified from that process to be incorporated. The design has subsequently been amended to address the access and traffic concerns raised in the consultation, specifically in relation to inclusion of a second entrance from the Sydenham By-pass, to supplement the main Holywood Road entrance. This will allow vehicles travelling on the A2 Belfast Road to directly access the Park & Ride facility.

I am advised this amended proposal is currently undergoing a Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) ahead of a planning application. The PAD was submitted to Belfast City Council Planning Service on 5 August 2021 and their process of consultation with statutory consultees is ongoing.

This development will also integrate with a proposed new cycle route known as the Sydenham Greenway, linking Victoria Park and the Coastal path. On 11 February 2022, I launched a public consultation to gather views and comments on proposed walking and cycling infrastructure improvements (as part of the Sydenham Greenway project) between Belfast and North Down.

I am committed to providing more choice for the travelling public as well as dealing with traffic congestion and tackling the climate emergency.