To ask the Minister for Regional Development what discussions he has had with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment regarding the physical infrastructure legacy of the Giro d'Italia.

I am sure that you will want to join with me in congratulating all those involved in the organisation of the Giro d’Italia NI Grande Partenza, which has been a huge success due to the effective joint working of many Departments and bodies to promote NI and cycling.

My Department has been heavily involved in numerous activities with the Giro d’Italia from the operational aspects of the Race Committee through to representation on the Northern Ireland Local Steering Group for the Legacy Plan.

The delivery structure of the event has targeted ‘legacy’ as one of its primary objectives of the event. Whilst the Northern Ireland Tourist Board is leading this aspect of the event organisation, my Department has provided input. Cycling Unit officials have contributed to the draft Legacy Plan which, among other things, seeks to promote Active Travel for the journey to school and to encourage the wider local population to engage with cycling as an everyday means of transport. It is expected that the draft Legacy Plan will be endorsed by the Executive in due course.

My Department is also setting up a cross-sectoral Cycling Group to ensure that the wider benefits of cycling are promoted and I have written to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment seeking her Department’s involvement in this Group. I intend to chair this Group which will have representation from a wide range of stakeholders. Encouraging more cycling and providing safe and accessible infrastructure would be a legacy from the Giro d’Italia for all our citizens.

In terms of infrastructure, we are moving forward plans for a dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Lagan to provide a direct link from the city centre to Ormeau Park. This will link with the National Cycle Network routes alongside the Lagan and open up a quiet route for cyclists from both the east and south of Belfast.

As well as the funding I intend to commit to cycling infrastructure, my Department is pursuing opportunities for EU funding in partnership with cross-border groups to develop traffic-free Greenway routes throughout Northern Ireland.