Cycle greenways plan unveiled by Minister

Cycle greenways plan unveiled by Minister

16 November 2016

STORMONT Minister Chris Hazzard was in Dundrum last week to unveil ambitious plans to create three cycle greenways from Downpatrick to Ardglass, Newcastle and Comber.

The minister outlined the potential to develop three traffic-free paths through the publication of a strategic plan for a network of greenways across Northern Ireland and over the border. The paths, which would also be for use by walkers and runners, will use disused railway lines, riverside paths and flood embankments.

The Department for Infrastructure has provided Newry, Mourne and Down Council with grants totalling £32,000 to carry out a full feasibility study into the local schemes.

Mr Hazzard, who launched details of the new initiative at a disused section of a former railway line in Dundrum which is already popular with local walkers, said he is encouraging people to lead more active and healthy lives through local opportunities.

He said the new greenways will breathe new life into redundant infrastructure and create public spaces where people can meet, relax, play or enjoy nature, improving the quality of life for local communities and enhancing the experience for visitors.

He added: “One of my key priorities is to help transform how we travel by increasing the number of people walking, cycling and using public transport which will enhance the North as a place where people want to live and work, to visit and invest.

“The greenway paths will connect towns and cities to the villages and countryside from east to west and north to south and will also be integrated with other modes of transport, making it easier for people to leave the car behind.”

Jonathan Hobbs from the NI Greenways, who joined Mr Hazzard in Dundrum, said it is encouraging to see so many councils proposing visionary greenway projects across the country, with support from the Department for Infrastructure to realise their vision. 

He added: ”This is an exciting first step towards creating a world class greenway network, which will be a welcome investment in rural development and active travel, enhancing our tourism offering and creating long term employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.” 

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman, Gillian Fitzpatrick, said the local authority is keen to get further involved in the development of Greenways throughout the district.

“Greenways present a unique opportunity to link towns and villages together via high quality routes encouraging walking and cycling not just for leisure, but also for commuting while at the same time improving the quality of life by providing increased opportunities for fitness, health and wellbeing,” she said.

Councillor Fitzpatrick added: “Newry, Mourne and Down is especially rich in varied landscapes and

heritage features and these greenways, if developed, will fit into our unique landscape. One of the greenways the council would like to develop is from Downpatrick to Newcastle along the former Belfast and County Down Railway with an approximate distance of 21km.”