Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has allocated £3.25m from the Local Growth Fund capital budget for 2026/7 to transport projects in Belfast, Newry, Ballymena and Strabane, targeting better accessibility, sustainable travel and more efficient networks.

Minister Kimmins said: "I have allocated this funding to proposals that focus on transport and connectivity improvements that will support economic development and sustainable travel in these towns and cities.

"The projects are designed to improve accessibility, encourage greater use of public and active travel, reduce congestion and support safer, more efficient transport networks in Belfast, Newry, Ballymena and Strabane."

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The funded schemes are:

- Belfast Cycling Network (Durham Street) — £100,000 to enhance cycling connectivity and quality of provision between Grand Central Station and the northern side of the Belfast city centre.

- Ballymena Park and Ride Phase 2 — £2,050,000 to expand the existing facility from 222 spaces to more than 600, relieving on-street parking pressures and encouraging greater public transport use.

- Newry Station Park and Ride Phase 2 — £99,000 to deliver 40–45 additional spaces and associated traffic management measures at Newry Station, addressing capacity constraints and supporting further growth in public transport use.

- Strabane Park and Ride — £1,000,000 for the potential acquisition of an existing third-party owned car park adjacent to Strabane Bus Station, providing approximately 150–170 spaces to increase park-and-ride provision in the short term.