Local community groups and individuals are being called to develop and deliver local road safety initiatives across Northern Ireland thanks to a new scheme.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon launched the £100,000 2021/22 Road Safety Grant Scheme which aims to support initiatives that not only encourage safe road user behaviour, but also have a positive impact on improving wellbeing for everyone.

Opening funding for the scheme, Minister Mallon said: "I recognise the key role that communities play in raising awareness of how we can stay safe on our roads whether we are driving, walking, cycling or wheeling. My Department's Road Safety Grant Scheme aims to empower and support individuals, communities and organisations to promote and deliver road safety initiatives in their area and encourage safe active travel modes of transport.

"It is encouraging to see more people choosing to walk or cycle as we move into recovery from Covid-19. Active travel not only improves our health and wellbeing but also benefits the environment. I am committed to doing all I can to make our roads and footways safer and to ensure everyone choosing to travel actively can do so safely. However, we all have a part to play in improving road safety and reducing the number of deaths on our roads.   

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"The 2021/22 scheme is now open for applications to support local community projects. I would encourage those who believe that they can make a positive contribution by delivering innovative, community-led road safety projects to apply for financial support."

Individuals and community groups can apply for funding of up to £10,000 to develop and deliver the initiatives. To qualify, groups must be properly constituted, have a bank account and be able to complete the project by 04 March 2022.

Seamus McAleavey, Chief Executive of NICVA commented: "NICVA is delighted at the Minister's announcement today launching the Road Safety Grant Scheme. During the last 18 months community organisations have been focussed on helping cope with the pandemic, but road safety is still a big issue for many. This grant scheme, set out by Minister Mallon, is a boost to community groups and local road safety initiatives. I would encourage groups to use the scheme to help communities' safe travel."

Brendan McAteer, Colin Neighbourhood Partnership added: "The grant provided to Colin Neighbourhood Partnership through the 2020/21 DfI Road Safety Grant Scheme has helped to create a better awareness of the dangers on our roads and provided us with an opportunity to engage with a wide and varied range of residents within the Colin Community on keeping safe when using the roads. This grant has made the Colin area a much safer place to live, work and play for all."

Grants must be used on locally focused road safety projects to help the Department achieve outcomes identified within its Road Safety Strategy to 2020.