17 April 2025 

SDLP councillor Gary McKeown has welcomed progress on the Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge.

It has been announced the bridge has moved to the next stage of its procurement.

Councillor McKeown said: "This bridge will be transformative for Belfast, so I welcome the latest progress which has been long-awaited by people living and working on both sides of the river. The SDLP has long been supportive of this project and it is being substantially funded by money from the Belfast Region City Deal that we fought so hard for in Westminster, and at both Stormont and council level.

“When built this bridge will connect our city much better, making travel easier for cyclists and pedestrians and bringing communities closer.

"There are many people living in one part of our city and working in the other and vice versa and this bridge will be a gamechanger for them, supporting quicker and greener travel. It will also be a significant boost to the many fantastic businesses in both areas which have seen huge growth in recent years.

“It is hoped that a contractor will be appointed to deliver this project before the end of the year, but we were initially told that the bridge itself would be ready by the end of 2025. It’s essential that there are no further delays to this project and we see it delivered to benefit people right across our city.”