To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans his Department has to improve public transport services along Saintfield Road towards Carryduff, if the proposed North Belfast to South Belfast Glider route is not introduced within the expected time frame.

Work on the feasibility of extending to Glengormley and Carryduff has been finalised and I commissioned work on the delivery options that could be implemented, utilising the £35m funding envelope from the Belfast Region City Deal. The Outline Business Case is being finalised in line with these feasibility reports and delivery options.

I welcome the £35m contribution from Belfast Region City Deal and recognise that this significant investment will bring enhancements to the city centre and wider public transport network as we seek to promote sustainable travel options and improve public transport journey time reliability.

Translink have also confirmed that they are working with Lisburn and Castlereagh Council, Planning Service and developers in the Carryduff area to enhance the public transport offering for residents.