To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her proposals for providing Carryduff with the same standard of public transport linkage as other parts of outer Greater Belfast, including via the Metro and Glider services.

Since coming into office I have made it a priority to address regional imbalance, tackle the climate crisis and better connect communities across the North within the limited budgetary envelope that I have available.

Prior to the Covid pandemic, there were 77 return bus trips per day (Monday-Friday) between Carryduff and Belfast and this exceeded frequencies elsewhere on the periphery of the Metro network. While demand has grown in recent months, with a corresponding increase in services, Translink recognise that services currently remain below pre-pandemic levels. This is something that will be considered as we move through the pandemic but will be dependent on funding being available.

In respect of BRT2, the proposals presented for public consultation on route options do not include an extension beyond Cairnshill Park & Ride however my Department has received a number of suggestions that an extension to Carryduff should be further considered. This proposal along with other suggestions received through the public consultation are currently being considered. A Public Consultation Report will be published in due course which will provide details of deliberations and responses to suggestions made.