Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Donal McMahon

Glider extension plans questioned by Lisburn councillor

The Glider bus extension plans have been questioned by a council deputy mayor concerned over growing traffic congestion.

Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd announced in October the preferred route for Phase 2 of Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT2), which will see the Glider bus service extended to north and south Belfast.

The public transport system is due to be completed by 2027, however fears over congested traffic in Co Down have caused an elected rep to speak out.

Read more: North-South Glider routes announced by Infrastructure Minister.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council deputy mayor, Michelle Guy (Alliance) said: "At this time I have not been approached by the DfI about the new Glider.

"I am asking for clarity on the trigger for the Carryduff route to be further assessed.

"The document for BRT2 suggests demand generated by new houses is the trigger, but the PR says it will be considered as part of the detailed design.

"In short what I want to know is if the department is serious about the Glider for Carryduff and if not what is their plan B for public transport in the area?

"The traffic demands in the area getting worse with every new housing development and to date DfI don’t seem to have a plan to mitigate this long term.

"Many residents would welcome public or active travel alternatives, but at the moment these are limited."

A DfI spokesperson said: “Work is commencing on the feasibility of extending the proposed routes to Glengormley and Carryduff.

"This will include engagement with council officials and elected representatives in the first instance.

"Further public and business engagement will be undertaken once the project progresses to detailed design stage.”

READ NEXT:

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.