Election Cycle 2016 – South Down

“Also ambitious campaign to link up Co Louth with Warrenpoint via the narrow water bridge project opens up amazing potential.”

1. Investment: Yes. The Green Party pledges in it’s manifesto to support a £25 per head of population investment, in line with the European standard as supported by the European Cyclists Forum
2. Greenways: Yes. The development of the Comber Greenway, for example, has been a great boost to those communities who are able to access it.
3. Legislation: Yes, absolutely. We need to see a move away from a car based infrastructure and lifestyle towards healthier and more public options, by encouraging people to live in cycle and walking friendly environments.”

1. Investment – Absolutely, as we face a public health crisis & increasing traffic congestion on our roads it’s time we were creative & innovative with our resources. I would love to see some ideas in future.
2. Greenways – Yes. as a student in Belfast I was a regular user of Lagan towpath. Would love to see this type of infrastructure everywhere possible. As a South Down MLA I have recently campaigned for the creation of extensive greenways to help enhance our local provision and create world class pathways for local residents & visitors alike.
3. Legislation – Yes, whilst I haven’t seen the finer details of any proposed legislation I would agree with the wider principles outlined and would be a keen advocate of the need to seriously explore ways in which community planning can actively assist the development of greenway provision.

“Greenways – Yes, but in fact this in itself is not enough. Northern Ireland has some of the best natural and human assets in Europe and we have seen significant increases in visitor numbers. However, when people arrive here they still do not have enough to spend their money on. So not only do we need a network of greenways across the country, we also need much better local networks of tourist businesses and products – linked to cycling and not linked to cycling – to ensure that when people come to cycle they stay longer, have more things to do, more things to spend their money on and are more likely to come back. This will really help drive rural regeneration and tourism and place South Down and Northern Ireland on the world map for walking, hill walking and cycling.

“Legislation – Yes. As I have stated above, cycling should be an integral part of our strategic planning. Making our cities, towns and rural areas smarter and better places to live and work in. Parts of Europe and America are way ahead of us in this regard and it is having real benefits for the health of populations, the livability of areas and how many people want to live, work and invest there. We have this simplistic idea in NI that if we reduce Corporation Tax the World will want to come here and invest here. What we forget is that many investors assess locations on a number of variables, including how good a place  is to live in and this includes how polluted, congested it is and how easy it is to get around by bike and on foot.”

“Our rural roads with pot holes and dangerous bends are a nightmare for cyclists – again massive investment needed. Certainly support the introduction of legislation to ensure cycle ways and walkways are incorporated into land use planning.