Councils in Northern Ireland have been urged to apply for funding to deliver greenways and active travel schemes.

The Department for Infrastructure will provide councils with full funding in 2022-23 for smaller scale active travel projects such as cycle parking and signage, and half of the capital costs for greenway schemes.

Infrastructure minister John O’Dowd said: 'I have today written to councils inviting them to submit proposals for support for greenway and active travel schemes that will be ready to commence this year, with a view to my department providing up to 50% funding towards the capital costs of greenways and 100% for active travel projects in 2022-23.

'I would encourage all councils to consider their greenway and active travel priorities for this year and apply for support. By working together we can provide more people with access to high quality greenways across the North, encouraging more walking, wheeling and cycling and addressing the climate emergency.”

Cllr Martin Kearney, president of the NILGA, said: 'This is a very welcome announcement which will help deliver safe, green, and clean infrastructure across Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas. Local government is at the forefront of active travel and delivering greenways in Northern Ireland, which provide people with safe options to walk, run, or cycle in their local areas.

'Promoting and facilitating greater active travel will be crucial in meeting our climate change obligations and targets and councils are ready to play their part in encouraging a healthier travel culture for the environment.'

Last year, councils were allocated with £1.9m towards greenway development.