To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how his Department will deliver (i) safe walking; and (ii) cycling routes for children and young people to access (a) Lagan College; and (b) Loughview Integrated Primary School.

My Department is currently undertaking a £227,000 project on Church Road in Castlereagh to providing new footway along the eastern side of Church Road, linking the existing public footway at Grey Castle Manor to the Henry Jones playing fields. This footway will provide a safe route for parents and children walking to and from Loughview Integrated Primary School.

Officials are also developing plans for a new section of footway along Manse Road, Castlereagh that would connect the existing public footways on Ballygowan Road and Manse Road, beyond Lisnabreeny Road, extending the existing public footway on Manse Road, making it safer to walk to Lagan College.

My Department has developed a draft Active Travel Delivery Plan that includes an update of our policies and design guidance for Active Travel as well as network plans for our larger towns and cities, including the Metropolitan Castlereagh area. Developing safe walking and cycling routes to schools is proposed as a key priority within that plan. Public consultation on the draft plan runs until 28 February 2025. I would encourage all those with an interest in development of high quality, safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to engage with this consultation.