9 October 2025
SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA has challenged Minister Liz Kimmins on her failure to meet active travel targets.
It comes after a recent Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) report found no evidence that active travel rates had significantly increased.
Mr McNulty has written to the Minister asking her to outline her response to the report’s findings.
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:
“Increasing active travel would have huge benefits for people and communities across the North. It has the potential to improve physical and mental health, take more cars off our roads to help tackle the climate crisis, and make our towns and cities more appealing for local people and visitors alike.
“This Audit Office report makes clear the failings overseen by the Minister and her department. Targets have been missed, funding hasn’t been delivered, and there has been little to no progress in encouraging people to walk or cycle more.
“The SDLP has written to the Minister directly to ask how she intends to address the issues raised by the Audit Office. While there are significant pressures within her department, the continued failure to prioritise active travel has serious consequences for public health, the environment and our economy.”