SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed the announcement from the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon of £20 million funding for Blue Green project delivery in 2021/22.
The significant investment will fund projects across the North of Ireland to further deliver on the Party’s commitment to develop greener, cleaner and better infrastructure.
The funding includes £11 million of active travel projects across the North of Ireland to fund schemes that will aim to promote and enable active travel, including through the creation of enhanced provision of cycle-paths, footpaths and controlled crossings.
The funded schemes will be facilitated through partnership working between local government and people to ensure that our spaces are shaped and owned by our local communities.
Today’s announcement followed commitments made last week by the Minister of £3 million to assist walking and cycling schemes in the Belfast area, as well as £2.5 million for greenways across the North.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I welcome the Minister’s announcement today, which amounts to millions of pounds in investment in the infrastructure of our towns and cities and will have a transformative impact on our local communities.
“For too long, our infrastructure has not seen the necessary investment to transform the lives of our citizens and make our spaces greener, cleaner and better.
“This is a welcome move towards changing that and creating the kind of towns and cities our communities deserve.
“Moreover, as we emerge from COVID-19, it is vital that building a stronger infrastructure is at the heart of the recovery.
“Today’s announcement will have a positive impact for people right across the North of Ireland.”
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