Agenda item

(Councillor Smyth attended in connection to this item.)

            The Committee considered correspondence from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in response to the Committee’s request for an update on the Belfast Cycle Network’s Ravenhill Road Scheme. The response advised that, due to amendments to the extent of the scheme and further consideration of certain elements of the design along the route, the design period had been longer than originally anticipated, and that statutory consultation process was expected to commence in early 2026, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of discussions on a small number of remaining issues.

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

            Seconded by Councillor Groogan,

      “That the Committee agrees to write to the DfI to request an update on the Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge; request that, should any trees be felled as part of the Ravenhill Road Scheme, all trees removed are replaced with semi-mature trees at a ratio of three new trees for every one tree felled; seek assurance that the Department would deliver a pedestrian crossing at the Ardenlee Avenue junction on the Ravenhill Road as part of the Ravenhill Road Scheme; request that double yellow lines be installed on the corners of the streets off the Ravenhill Road, as part of the Ravenhill Road Scheme, to help prevent obstructive parking; and request engagement with the Council in respect of the potential for the Department to support the installation of lighting infrastructure within Ormeau Park.”

            At the request of Councillor R. McLaughlin, the Committee agreed that the motion be amended to provide that it requests DfI to engage with the Council in respect of the potential for the Department to support the installation of lighting infrastructure within all Council Parks.

            With the permission of the Chairperson, Councillor Smyth addressed the Committee in relation to the DfI response. Councillor Smyth highlighted that the scheme presented an opportunity to deliver a safe, sustainable and family friendly route within the city. He highlighted that, as part of the consultation stage, it was vital that the Department engage with local schools and young people to promote safe and active travel through the scheme.

Further Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Groogan,

            Seconded by Councillor de Faoite,

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees to write to DfI to request that it proactively engage and consult with local schools, as part of the Ravenhill Road Scheme’s consultation process, to ascertain how best the scheme could promote safe and active travel for children to school.

            Accordingly, the Committee:

i.       noted the response received from DfI on the Belfast Cycle Network’s Ravenhill Road Scheme; and

ii.      agreed to write to DfI to:

·        request an update on the Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge;

·        request that, should any trees be felled as part of the Ravenhill Road Scheme, all trees removed are replaced with semi-mature trees at a ratio of three new trees for every one tree felled;

·        seek assurance that the pedestrian crossing at the Ardenlee Avenue junction on the Ravenhill Road would be delivered as part of the Ravenhill Road Scheme;

·        request that double yellow lines be installed on the corners of the streets off the Ravenhill Road, as part of the Ravenhill Road Scheme, to help prevent obstructive parking;

·        request engagement with the Council in respect of the potential for the Department to support the installation of lighting infrastructure across all Council Parks; and

·        request that the Department proactively engage and consult with local schools, as part of the Ravenhill Road Scheme’s consultation process, to ascertain how best the scheme could promote safe and active travel for children to school.