To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what inter-departmental discussions he has had in relation to the introduction of a walking strategy.

I am committed to improving active travel for all in the North. I want to create people-centred cities, towns and villages which look and feel cleaner and greener. My Department is taking a number of important steps to increase the delivery of high-quality pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

The Transport Strategy and transport plans currently being developed acknowledge the importance of active travel in the sustainable transport hierarchy approach with walking and wheeling considered first, followed by cycling, then the remainder of the modes.

My Department is also currently finalising an Active Travel Delivery Plan. When complete, this plan will complement the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan and the Strategic Plan for Greenways to provide our teams with a firm basis for the prioritisation of active travel investment in future years. The Plan includes a full update of the Department’s design guidance for both walking and cycling, recognising that there is significant commonality in the needs of these two groups. This design guidance will mark a step change in the Department’s commitment to providing safe, coherent and attractive active travel infrastructure to all those who choose to walk, wheel or cycle.

Inter-departmental engagement is an important part of good government and my Department works with various Government Departments, Agencies and Councils in the development of our active travel infrastructure and promotion and I look forward to continuing to engage on these matters that offer significant cross cutting benefits to our society.