Urban alleyways given 
go-ahead to go green

The funding will support community-led projects that make alleyways and other similar spaces more attractive through planting, as well as improving accessibility for walking, cycling and other activities which will enhance health and well-being for local residents.

It will come from a £20m blue/green infrastructure fund announced in June, with councils urged to apply to the Department of Infrastructure to develop small-scale green spaces in urban areas.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon praised the communities who had already taken steps to ‘green’ alleyways.

“I have seen this at first hand in Ardoyne in north Belfast when in October I visited an example of such a scheme at Ardmore/Rossmore Avenues in Belfast and saw how it made a real difference to the lives of people living there,” she said.

“In these challenging times it is important that we create more opportunities for active travel and take steps to improve people’s physical and mental health. I am committed to doing all I can to address these issues.”