To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to her Oral Statement to the Assembly on 1 June 2026 on the North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectoral Meeting, to detail an update on her Department's plans for a greenway from Warrenpoint to Newcastle, via Kilkeel.

My officials have been working closely with colleagues in both the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to identify and develop a coherent network of cross border greenway schemes. This vision has been supported by the findings of a recent cross-border greenway feasibility study, including the identification of potential linkages between the existing network in both jurisdictions.

In December 2025, I welcomed an announcement from the Irish Government providing up to €2 million towards a Shared Island Greenways Fund. This Fund builds on the collaborative partnership working between my Department and the Government of Ireland and will support future development and delivery of a number of cross-border greenways, including Warrenpoint to Newcastle (via Kilkeel).

Through the auspice of the Shared Island Greenway Fund, funding of £40,000 has recently been allocated to Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) to support a technical feasibility study of the proposed Warrenpoint to Newcastle (via Kilkeel) greenway, including a £20,000 allocation from my Department. Funding for future project phases will be subject to the findings of this initial feasibility study and future budget availability.