To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what proposals she has to bring forward a strategy aimed at reducing rush hour congestion on the main arterial routes into Belfast city centre, including the provision and enhancement of dedicated cycle lanes.

All major future transport investment in the wider Belfast area, including that aimed at reducing rush hour congestion on the arterial routes, needs to be considered in terms of how it will impact on social, environmental and economic objectives.

In relation to the provision and enhancement of dedicated cycle lanes, over the coming weeks I want to carefully consider how provision of cycle routes in Belfast and other urban areas can assist as part of my vision to enable infrastructure that provides more sustainable transport that connects communities and improves lives.

In the longer term, my Department is currently preparing, for my consideration, a new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) for the area which will consider all modes of transport, including cycling, and how they integrate with land use development. It is very important that I take into account the future development plans of Belfast City Council and the neighbouring councils. Therefore, in addition to Belfast City Council, the BMTP will include the surrounding council areas to enable consideration to be given to the main commuter flows into Belfast City Centre from neighbouring council districts. The new BMTP will provide the framework for transport policy and investment decisions for the greater Belfast area up until 2035. The new Draft BMTP will be open to public consultation.