To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline (i) a timeline for the decision on the north-south Glider route; (ii) what factors will be considered when deciding between the Antrim Road and the Shore Road on the North Belfast side; and (iii) whether (a) the absence of an existing rail link; and (b) an expanding population at Glengormley and Mallusk will be factors in considering the Antrim Road corridor.

A north-south Glider route is one of the projects identified for inclusion in the Belfast Region City Deal. The next stages will require close working across all departments and with the other Belfast Region City Deal partners, including to reach agreement on funding and on which projects are most capable of delivering the City Deal objectives. To that end, my officials are working closely with the councils and other partners to take forward a feasibility and options appraisal which will help in identifying route options and will be subject to public consultation. This work should be completed by the end of this year and will take into account the other factors raised in the Member’s question.