Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has published a ten-year plan to make walking, wheeling and cycling the easiest and most enjoyable way to make shorter journeys in Northern Ireland's towns and cities.

"Everyday Active Travel: The Urban Delivery Plan", published on Monday 9 November 2026, sets out more than 140 kilometres of priority routes to be delivered over the next decade, connecting more than 280,000 people to everyday destinations including 118 schools, 33 town centres and 17 public transport hubs.

What the plan promises

The priority programme represents an estimated investment of between £140 million and £280 million, based on the current average cost per kilometre of delivering high-quality active travel infrastructure. The plan also identifies almost 1,000 kilometres of additional corridors for delivery in future phases, giving planners and developers a long-term framework for a more connected network.

The plan is published with ten council-area appendices, covering areas from Antrim and Newtownabbey to Newry, Mourne and Down. Schemes will be designed around people, with the aim of creating places that are welcoming and accessible to all, and with safety at the heart of the design.

Kimmins said public engagement had played a significant role in shaping the plan. Consultation showed strong support for prioritising connections to schools, town centres and public transport, and clear backing for people-centred and safety-focused design.

Healthier and safer communities

"Walking, wheeling, and cycling are great ways to incorporate physical activity into our daily lives, and getting out in the open air is good for our general wellbeing too," Kimmins said. "By investing in cleaner and greener transport options, we can create healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities, where everyone's journey matters."

She added: "Achieving this will take time but by getting the infrastructure right and investing appropriately, I believe that we can deliver a better, more sustainable future for all."

Kimmins also said she was committed to making active travel in rural towns and villages more attractive and accessible, and would ensure a fair allocation of funding was directed towards pedestrian improvements for rural communities.

What is not yet decided

The department's announcement does not say which routes will come first, when work on them will start, or how the programme will be funded. Each scheme will be developed with engagement from local communities, which the department says will help identify local needs and make sure the routes brought forward are well used and valued.

The urban plan follows the department's draft Eastern Transport Plan for Belfast and its metropolitan area, which was published for consultation on 26 October. The full plan, an interactive version and the council appendices are available on the Department for Infrastructure publications page.