To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans she has to implement a scheme offering bicycle repair vouchers, similar to the Fix your Bike Scheme in England.

Ms Mallon

I am aware of the Department for Transport's Fix your Bike voucher scheme in England. I understand that the scheme was introduced at the end of June this year. The aim of the scheme is to encourage more people to embrace cycling, boost the number of commuting and leisure trips and reduce the number of short journeys made by private cars. As the Member indicates in his question, however, the scheme is aimed at providing assistance for bicycle repair or refurbishment. In effect, the vouchers provide a grant of up to £50 towards the repair and servicing of bicycles to encourage owners to start using their old bikes again. It does not provide any assistance, though, for people who do not own a bicycle to purchase one. For many, the fact that they cannot afford a bicycle is the real barrier to cycling. It is regrettable that the scheme does not address that reality. I have asked my officials to monitor closely the progress of the scheme to determine its effectiveness, the value for money and the benefits that might accrue to Northern Ireland were such a scheme to be introduced here. I am mindful, however, that a similar scheme in Northern Ireland could cost around £700,000, and, unfortunately, given the resource budget allocated to my Department and the significant pressures as a result, the scheme would be currently unaffordable without additional funding being provided to the Department for Infrastructure

Ms Mallon

I have asked my officials to consider that. We are considering ways in which it might be possible to make bicycles more easily available to those not in employment or unable to avail themselves of the current schemes. I am looking in particular at schoolchildren to see what we can do there. The Cycle to Work scheme is available for employers throughout Northern Ireland. It is a salary sacrifice scheme operating between individual employers and HMRC. It helps employees to get access to a bicycle with significant savings. There is a Northern Ireland Civil Service scheme, and many other employers have their own schemes. I would be keen to do what we can to maximise the schemes that exist. I am also keen to see what we can do to assist those who cannot afford to get a bicycle through the blue/green fund and my walking and cycling champion.

Mr McGuigan

I welcome the Minister's announcement last week of £2·8 million for six greenway projects and thank her for her commitment to that. I caveat that with the fact that neither the Ballymoney to Ballycastle greenway nor the Glens of Antrim greenway from Ballymena to Cushendall in my constituency were successful. Will there be additional funding for greenway projects that did not succeed in the current funding round?

Ms Mallon

I appreciate that it was a positive announcement but understand that it will be met with disappointment by others who have not seen the advancement of schemes in their area. I am caught in a bind in terms of the need to get capital money spent quickly. We reached out to all councils. I was clear to emphasise that this is just the first step. I cannot pre-empt what allocations might be made to my Department, but I am committed to enhancing the blue/green fund and doing what we can to enhance our greenway experience across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with the Member and, hopefully, seeing progress in his constituency.