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

In March 2022 the Department launched ‘Active Living’ the Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for Northern Ireland. As the strategy covers outdoor recreation, including walking, there is no requirement for a standalone walking strategy and as such I have not had any inter-departmental discussions on the matter.

As part of the monitoring arrangements for Active Living, my Department has established a Cross-Departmental Strategic Delivery Group to oversee delivery of the Active Living Strategy and the group is comprised of representatives from all Government Departments.

The Strategy’s main aim is to get more people, more active, more of the time with a focus on identifying and addressing barriers to participation in physical activity for the least active in our communities. The strategy recognises the positive impact that physical activity has on physical and mental health and the contributory role outdoor recreation, including walking, can have to encourage those who are inactive to take the first steps towards engagement in sport and physical activity.

The Strategy was developed through co-design with a wide range of stakeholders including Government Departments, Councils, communities and the wider sports sector including those involved in outdoor recreation.