O'Dowd joins the AT crowd with new delivery plan

18/11/2024 | CHRIS AMES

O'Dowd joins the AT crowd with new delivery plan

The Northern Ireland Executive has launched a public consultation on its plans to deliver over 200km of ‘high quality’ active travel infrastructure over the next 10 years.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said its draft Active Travel Delivery Plan sets out how it will prioritise and deliver active travel infrastructure within urban and rural settlements.

It focuses on focuses on three key connections types for each area:

  • connections to local schools;
  • connections to public transport;
  • and connections to town centres.

The DfI said these 'offer the greatest potential to maximise benefits for people, the environment and society’.

Infrastructure minister John O’Dowd (left of picture above) said: ‘This plan showcases the department’s ambitions for increasing active travel options in 42 settlements across the North; delivering a bold transformation for all of our communities.

‘It will complement the existing Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan and the Strategic Plan for Greenways, providing our teams and local councils with a firm basis for the prioritisation and delivery of active travel over the next 10 years.’

Mr O’Dowd added: ‘Research has shown that over one third of our journeys are less than two miles long and two-thirds are less than five miles.

‘These shorter journeys offer an opportunity to choose a different mode of travel to the car and make small changes to our lifestyle , regardless of age or ability, by choosing to walk, wheel, or cycle.’

Sue Percy CBE, chief executive of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT, right of picture), said: ‘CIHT welcomes the focus on active travel in Northern Ireland and the opportunity to contribute to efforts to improve active travel.

‘Active travel does not only have a positive impact on a peoples’ health, but the modal shift can contribute to net-zero aspirations by reducing congestion and subsequent air pollution.’

Mr O’Dowd said he had ‘just commissioned’ the design of six signature Active Travel projects across the North and would be sharing details ‘in the coming weeks and months as they are developed’.

DfI manages the road network in Northern Ireland and said it had engaged with its own regional transport teams who have valuable local knowledge and key stakeholders, such as local councils and Sustrans.

The plans have been grouped by council area, with maps set out in appendices.

The 42 settlements identified across the council areas are:

  • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council – Antrim, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Newtownabbey, Randalstown.
  • Ards and North Down Borough Council- Bangor, Comber, Donaghadee, Holywood, Newtownards
  • Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council – Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dromore
  • Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council- Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady, Portrush, Portstewart
  • Derry City and Strabane District Council- Derry/Londonderry, Strabane Fermanagh and Omagh District Council- Fermanagh, Omagh
  • Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council – Lisburn, Carryduff, Metropolitan Castlereagh, Metropolitan Lisburn
  • Mid and East Antrim District Council- Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Greenisland, Larne
  • Mid Ulster- Magherafelt, Cookstown, Coalisland, Dungannon
  • Newry, Mourne and Down District Council- Downpatrick, Kilkeel, Newcastle, Newry, Warrenpoint, Ballynahinch

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Structures Delivery Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Structures Delivery Manager to lead the delivery of structural asset investment Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Head of Highway Operations

Grade 15 £61,048 - £66,960 per annum (Pay award pending)
Here at Derbyshire County Council, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Sustainable Travel Team Leader

Grade 12 £43,055 - £46,439 per annum (Pay award Pending)
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and shaping a sustainable future? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Active Travel Officer

Grade 10 £17,162 - £18,764 per annum (Pay award pending)
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on how people travel? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW