A £3.35million greenway project between Craigavon and Aghalee should be prioritised as a part of Government’s commitment to expand the cycling infrastructure across Northern Ireland.
Alliance councillor Peter Lavery said the proposed project will be key to help securing a direct cycle link between Craigavon and Belfast.
It is one of four greenway projects across the borough which have had concept designs drawn up at a projected cost of £19 million.
The four are the Lagan Navigation Greenway (Craigavon to Aghalee); the Portadown – (North of) Moy Greenway; the Banbridge to Scarva Greenway; and Portadown to Caledon (via Armagh) Greenway.
The most expensive of these would be the latter through Armagh – at a cost of £6.86 million.
Portadown to Moy would cost in the region of £5.44 million, with Craigavon to Aghalee estimated at £3.35 million and Banbridge to Scarva, slightly less at £3.2 million.
Councillor Lavery, speaking to Armagh I, said: “I have written to the Infrastructure Minister asking that the Aghalee to Craigavon Greenway is prioritised as part of the Department’s plans to expand cycling infrastructure and encourage sustainable travel.
“The greenway, which would run from the village of Aghalee to Craigavon lakes skirting the edges of Aghagallon and Lurgan, will be key in terms of connectivity and bring us one step closer to ensuring a direct cycle link between Craigavon and Belfast.”
“During lockdown, more people are out cycling for their daily exercise. We should harness that increased interest and encourage people to keep cycling by putting in place safer cycle routes.
“Expanding Greenway provision is a priority for Alliance on council so hopefully we can work in conjunction with DfI to make it a reality.”
