The Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge and new Enniskillen Bypass projects have been put on hold due to the A5 saga
Councillor Gary McKeown at the planned bridge location
A decision to put on hold a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Lagan in South Belfast has been described as “unbelieveable” by a local politician.
The Stormont Department for Infrastructure has put several major infrastructure projects on hold while legal proceedings on the A5 case continue. While the Sinn Féin Minister Liz Kimmins says all infrastructure projects “remain live” some have said the lack of a timetable could mean projects have been effectively kicked into the long grass.
South Belfast SDLP Councillor for Botanic Gary McKeown has urged the Minister to reverse her decision to put on hold the building of the bridge from the Gasworks to Ormeau Park. He said: “It’s unbelievable that the Department has put this essential project on hold, delaying it indefinitely. Communities on both sides of the river have been waiting for over a decade for this bridge to be built, only to face delay after delay, and now we learn that it has been officially paused.
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“We need the Department to get this back on track and delivered as soon as possible. So much is being planned on the basis of the bridge going in, it can’t be stalled any further. Connecting the Gasworks with Ormeau Park will be transformative for this city, unlocking the city centre for suburban communities and improving access to one of Belfast’s oldest and most iconic parks.”
Last month in Assembly Questions the Minister was asked to detail any projects which are now being held back as a result of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme appeal. The Northern Ireland Court of Appeal is currently reviewing a decision by the High Court last year that quashed approval for the £1.7bn A5 road upgrade. The Department for Infrastructure is seeking to overturn the High Court decision.
Ms Kimmins said: “The outcome of this appeal will have far-reaching implications for all major infrastructure projects pursued by departments across the North. To safeguard my Department’s limited resources, I am carefully considering how to advance other infrastructure schemes in line with the outcome of the A5 judgment.
“To preserve the progress already made, I have ensured these schemes can remain live until the final judgment is delivered through the extension of the tender validity periods for both the A4 Enniskillen Bypass and the Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge. My officials are also preparing options for my consideration to protect the A1 Junctions Phase 2 project.
“My priority remains the delivery of these vital infrastructure projects, and I am committed to protecting the progress of these schemes as much as possible while the legal process continues.”
Councillor McKeown, who has championed the bridge for some time, said: “Legal issues around a road scheme fifty miles away shouldn’t stop Belfast progressing a walking and cycling bridge.
“This project will get cars off the road, so aside from the social benefits it will bring for residents and visitors, it ticks all of the environmental boxes. This bridge should be prioritised, not delayed.
“If the Department wants to encourage walking and cycling and improve the environment, this pedestrian and cycle bridge needs to move forward at pace. Climate legislation says we must cut transport emissions. Building infrastructure for walking and cycling, like this bridge, is a key part of that.”
He added: “I understand that the Department wants to avoid the unnecessary public expenditure that could result from getting embroiled in further litigation, but in my view the decision to pause this project, which would clearly benefit the environment, is being overly cautious.
“The plans for the bridge are at an advanced stage, which makes it all the more frustrating. I would urge the Department to undertake a rapid review to demonstrate that the bridge fully complies with legislative requirements, so it can be decoupled from wider issues and allowed to proceed.”
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