Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has provided an update on plans to progress six flagship Active Travel projects.

Consultants have now been commissioned to advance the schemes, which together will cover a combined length of 40km, aimed at promoting walking, cycling, and other sustainable modes of travel.

"I am committed to providing cleaner and greener travel options for people. Active travel is good for the environment and can help to improve the health and wellbeing for those who choose to walk, wheel or cycle for some of their shorter everyday journeys. These six significant active travel schemes, with a combined length of 40km, are a tangible demonstration of that commitment," said Minister Kimmins.

She added that public engagement will play a key role in shaping the projects. "Meaningful engagement with the public is key to delivering projects of this nature and my Department will bring preliminary proposals to the public for input once these have been suitably developed."

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Minister Kimmins also highlighted progress on related initiatives, noting the benefits seen from the recently opened Newry to Carlingford Greenway. "I recently had the pleasure of attending the official opening of the Newry to Carlingford Greenway which is enjoyed by many people and I heard about the many benefits the scheme brings for the local community and for tourism. Progression of the Newry Inner City Greenway project will complement that further by connecting the newly completed Greenway to the Newry Canal towpath to Portadown."

The delivery of the six Active Travel schemes will depend on the timely completion of all statutory processes and the availability of future budgets.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said: "The announcement of progress on the schemes including the Sydenham Greenway, greenways from Maydown to Campsie, Black Paths extension to Portadown railway station, the Newry Inner City Greenway, Bellarena to Bishop's Gate and Coleraine to Portstewart is a positive step in providing cleaner and greener travel options for people.

"Progress on these schemes, following the recent announcement of £1million for active travel schemes in other areas, demonstrates the Minister’s commitment to creating a cleaner environment and opportunities for improving the health and wellbeing of those who choose to walk, wheel or cycle.”

"I look forward to future engagement with the Minister and her department on these active travel projects."