Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced more than £1 million in funding to support the delivery of seven new greenway and active travel projects across Northern Ireland.

The £1.05 million investment will provide 50% capital funding to three councils – Derry City and Strabane District Council, Belfast City Council, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council – following a call earlier this year for proposals to support greenway development.

Announcing the awards, Minister Kimmins said: "My Department wrote to councils earlier this year inviting them to submit proposals for greenway projects to be considered for 50% capital funding support. I am delighted to now issue letters of offer to deliver seven projects within the council areas of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Belfast City Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

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"This funding, totalling £1.05m, will be used to help these councils deliver on their priorities for active travel and builds on my commitment to support councils to realise their ambitions and to develop their longer term plans for greenways."

The Minister concluded: "Creating cleaner and greener connections is one of my department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future and I want to focus on delivering positive change for people, the economy and the environment which will build the foundations for a better future. By working together, we can create cleaner and greener connections that are aligned with regional needs and priorities.

"Creating spaces that encourage more people to consider walking, wheeling and cycling for their shorter everyday journeys is not just good for the environment but is also beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing."