Plans have been introduced to expand the network of Greenways across east Belfast.

This EastSide Greenways concept plan aims to influence and explore the potential for a wider network of Greenways linking into a city-wide and regional network. It follows on from the success of the current Comber and Connswater Community Greenways.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor John Finucane has welcomed the plan. Speaking at the launch, he said: "The development of Connswater Community Greenway has been a real success story – not just for the east of the city, but for Belfast as a whole in terms of improving connectivity and enhancing accessibility.

"As part of Council's proposed green and blue infrastructure plan and our open spaces strategy for the city, we recognise that parks, open spaces and waterways provide a range of economic, social and environmental benefits.

"Council wholeheartedly supports the development of these plans to further expand upon the existing greenway, and explore new networks and establish direct linkages to our city centre.

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"Protecting, developing and improving access to good quality open spaces for everyone improves people's health and wellbeing, supports urban wildlife and biodiversity and encourages investment in the city's economy – all ambitions within the Belfast Agenda; so the plans which have been unveiled today by EastSide Greenways are very welcome and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition."

Along with links to Belfast city centre and Titanic Quarter, the EastSide Greenways concept plan will look to develop network 'hubs' like C.S. Lewis Square and enhance existing links in the area.

Michele Bryans from EastSide Greenways commented: "We are very excited to be moving onto the next phase of our journey and to bring with us the vast knowledge gained from developing the Connswater Community Greenway.

"It is our role to encourage the use and enjoyment of parks, gardens, rivers and off-road transport routes in east Belfast and to promote the sustainable planning, design, management, maintenance and improvement of green spaces for the benefit of the public.

"EastSide Greenways will not only assist in developing the existence of our current Greenways but will help us build on its success as we aim to connect east Belfast and Belfast City into a greater network of Greenways.

"We could not achieve this without the support of our fantastic partners, our volunteers and the local community. On behalf of EastSide Greenways we would like to thank them for their continued support especially as we look to the future."

Belfast City Council, Department for Infrastructure, The Executive Office, The National Lottery Community Fund and Sustrans NI have all thrown support behind the EastSide Greenways concept plan.

(CM/JG)