Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has approved 1,000km of greenways in the region.

The news comes as the Minister publishes his Strategic Plan to develop a network of greenway paths across the north of Ireland, including cross border connections.

The paths, designed for use by walkers, runners and cyclists, will be traffic free. Many will use disused railways, riverside paths, abandoned canal towpaths or flood embankments.

Minister Hazzard said: "More and more people are choosing to be active with their travel options and encouraging everyone to lead a more active, healthy life by providing local opportunities is something I and my Executive colleagues are determined to deliver.

"This plan is the pathway to help deliver those opportunities for people across the north, focusing on the development of a 400km primary and 600km secondary greenways network that walkers, runners and cyclists can share.

-- Advertisement --

"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.

"Many of the proposed schemes are located on disused railways, riverside paths, abandoned canal towpaths or flood embankments. This will breathe new life in to this 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."

The Minister also confirmed the local councils who have secured funding to support and develop greenway projects in their area, under a small grants competition.

Jonathan Hobbs, from the NI Greenways campaign, commented: "It's encouraging to see so many councils proposing visionary greenway projects across the country, with support from the Department for Infrastructure to realise their vision.

"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."

A copy of the Strategic Plan for Greenways can be viewed or downloaded here.

(JP/MH)