Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has published a plan to make walking, wheeling and cycling the preferred option for short journeys in towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

The document, titled Everyday Active Travel: The Urban Delivery Plan, sets out a programme of priority routes to be delivered over the next decade. It identifies more than 140 kilometres of routes intended to connect over 280,000 people to 118 schools, 33 town centres and 17 public transport hubs.

The estimated investment for the priority programme is between £140 million and £280 million. This range is based on the current average cost per kilometre of delivering high-quality active travel infrastructure.

The plan also lists almost 1,000 kilometres of additional corridors for development beyond the priority phase. According to the Department for Infrastructure, these longer-term routes will give planners and developers a vision for a more connected network in urban areas.

Kimmins stated that the design of individual schemes will be people-centred and focused on accessibility, safety and high-quality infrastructure appropriate to each location. The plan also emphasises that community engagement will be central as each scheme is developed.

The minister said public consultation had shown strong support for prioritising links to schools, town centres and public transport, and for the plan's design principles. Local knowledge gathered during consultation helped shape the routes included.

Kimmins also said she is committed to improving active travel in rural towns and villages and will ensure a fair allocation of funding is directed towards pedestrian enhancements for rural communities.

The plan is available on the Department for Infrastructure website.