£3.25m Local Growth Fund Capital has been allocated by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins for 2026/7 to projects in Belfast, Newry, Ballymena and Strabane.
Minister Kimmins said: “I have allocated this funding to proposals that focus on transport and connectivity improvements that will support economic development and sustainable travel in these towns and cities.
“The projects are designed to improve accessibility, encourage greater use of public and active travel, reduce congestion and support safer, more efficient transport networks in Belfast, Newry, Ballymena and Strabane.”
The projects are as follows:
• Belfast Cycling Network, Durham Street – £100,000 – to improve connectivity and the quality of provision for cyclists between Grand Central Station and the northern side of Belfast City Centre.
• Ballymena Park and Ride Phase 2 – £2,050,000 – to support the expansion of the existing Ballymena Park and Ride facility from 222 spaces to more than 600 spaces, helping to meet demand, reduce on-street parking pressures and encourage greater public transport use.
• Newry Station Park and Ride Phase 2 – £99,000 – delivery of 40–45 additional park and ride spaces and associated traffic management measures at Newry Station, addressing existing capacity constraints and supporting further growth in public transport use.
• Strabane Park and Ride – £1,000,000 – potential acquisition of an existing third party owned car park to provide approximately 150 – 170 parking spaces adjacent to the Strabane Bus Station for the purposes of increasing park & ride provision in the short term.
