Small grants programme for development of greenways announced
Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced a small grants programme for the development of greenway projects across Northern Ireland.
This competitive scheme is aimed at providing support for councils to work up projects that will be able to deliver a step change in greenway provision.
Minister McIlveen said, “I am delighted to be able to announce this new initiative. As a user of the Comber Greenway I recognise the value of greenways. They are an excellent way to enable people to incorporate activity into their everyday routine – whether as a means of travelling or for recreation and leisure.
“These off-road traffic-free routes provide a safe environment to give people the freedom and confidence to use the bicycle for everyday journeys.
“A number of councils have already undertaken work on greenways in their areas and I believe there is great potential to do much more. Providing support to councils in the development of greenways is one of the objectives set out in the Bicycle Strategy and this small grants programme is aimed at doing just that.”
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The small grants programme will be a three stage competition with successful projects eventually receiving a grant of up to £25,000 grant to develop detailed designs and a fully worked up project bid for assessment.
The Minister added, “Work is continuing on a Strategic Plan for Greenways for Northern Ireland and I expect it to be available around the end of April.
“This plan will provide a framework to assist Councils in developing their proposals for this competition and I will be writing to them with details of the small grants programme for greenways after Easter.”
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