Plans for a greenway in Carryduff have been given a new lease of life as the council reconvenes the working group on the proposals.
For around 10 years residents of the town have been hoping to create momentum in order to develop a greenway in the area that would connect it with South Belfast.
A public consultation on the proposal took place in 2016 that was deemed to be overwhelmingly positive, however since then there has been very little action at all to move the plans forward.
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Castlereagh South Sinn Fein Councillor Ryan Carlin told Belfast Live that Carryduff residents and community groups are concerned about the lack of progress and fear that if the project is not acted on soon there will be no land available for the greenway due to the amont of housing developments being built in the area.
Herecently met with the council Chief Executive and pushed for the Carryduff Greenway working group to be reinstated.
Councillor Carlin said: "The Carryduff Greenway presents a unique opportunity to create a dedicated pedestrian and cycle route, linking communities and delivering green infrastructure in an area undergoing rapid expansion
"But if we do not act now, we risk losing this opportunity altogether."
Cllr Carlin has called on the council to re-engage directly with local landowners and stakeholders to accelerate progress on the project.
"I have spoken with the Council’s Director of Regeneration & Transformation about prioritising landowner engagement, and there is real potential for progress in areas such as Carryduff and Knockbracken, where the Department of Health has indicated they may dispose of land. This could provide a critical connection for the greenway route, improving accessibility and linking key infrastructure."
He also stressed the need to capitalise on recent developments in Carryduff, including the Lidl store and the Lough Moss 3G pitches, ensuring the greenway is embedded in the area’s regeneration plans.
"This project has massive potential to improve local connectivity, promote sustainable travel, and enhance green spaces," he added. "But it needs serious commitment from the council to move forward, not just sit on the agenda. That’s why I have sought to ensure it is reprioritised now—before the opportunity is lost."
The councillor said that now the Carryduff Greenway working group has reconvened, the next steps will focus on direct engagement with landowners, securing funding opportunities, and ensuring sustained council commitment to finally push this long-overdue project forward.
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