27 October 2026

SDLP Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole MLA has called for firm delivery commitments following the publication of the Belfast portion of the Eastern Transport Plan 2035.

Some of the interventions include greater provision of walking and cycling routes, alongside improved bus and Glider offering.

Speaking following publication, South Belfast MLA O’Toole said:

“The pedestrianisation of Belfast city centre alongside enhanced public transport provision during the Fleadh proved that the old arguments no longer hold up. Realigning our transport network to prioritise walking and cycling alongside public transport can reduce congestion, improve air quality and make our city a nice place to live.

“The proposals in this plan are high on aspiration, but we have seen far too often with Stormont plans that delivery fails to match ambition. Even within this plan the commitment to build the north-south Glider is restated – yet we have no idea how the Minister plans to deliver it with no budget agreed.

“There are a number of other proposals which will no doubt raise eyebrows including the Minister’s decision to propose pedestrian priority in the city centre rather than pedestrianisation. You only have to look at the Minister’s failure to pedestrianise Hill Street to realise good will alone will not crease a more pedestrian-friendly city.

“I welcome the greater provision of cycling routes in the city centre, however I am concerned that this plan proposes a significant reduction in cycling infrastructure elsewhere in the city. Many have become used to the glacial pace of delivery of cycle lane upgrades in the city, while the Department desperately tries to reclassify road upgrades as “active travel”. This plan could further entrench that attitude.

“This will also raise some concerns for disabled people, as the high-frequency Glider 2 is set to run through pedestrian-priority Royal Avenue. The Minister must provide reassurance that conflicting priorities for this corridor do not put people at risk.

“Belfast deserves a modern transport system as we move to repair the damage of previous generations. Although we welcome some concrete proposals at last the Minister must now demonstrate that this plan is more than just warm words. The Department must now move forward and build a better transport network for all the people of Belfast.”