To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 28606/17-22, whether his position remains the same as his predecessor concerning provision of a new safe off-road cycling path between Belfast and Bangor.

As the member is aware the development of off-road cycling paths (greenways) is the responsibility of local Councils rather than my Department. However I am keen to support the development of greenways and have recently invited councils to submit applications for grant in support of greenways and active travel generally.

In relation to the development of a cycle path along the A2 Belfast Road there are significant challenges along the 2½ mile stretch of the A2 from Ballyrobert to Holywood. This section consists of a four lane single carriageway road with narrow footways. An initial general consideration of the route identified the following significant challenges to building a segregated cycle lane, which complies with up-to-date cycling design guidance:

The vesting of a 3 – 4m strip of land along the length of the route involving numerous landowners;

Design and safety considerations required to accommodate the numerous driveways that a cycle lane would have to cross; and

Significant level differences at various points along the route.

These difficulties have not lessened since I took up the post of Minister for Infrastructure.