To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) which local councils have submitted blue/green funding proposals; and (ii) which local councils are working with her Department to prepare a blue/green funding proposal.

The Blue Green infrastructure fund refers to a specific budget within my Department. It contains a range of spending streams, not all of which flow, or need to flow, directly to councils.

My Department has been working closely with all Councils and other bodies to look at innovative ways to support active travel alternatives and through the DfC COVID Recovery scheme, my Department has made grants to all Councils in 2020/21 as part of my Green Recovery agenda. My Department is working closely with Councils to deliver interventions, in particular the installation of parklets and delivery of other place making schemes.

I have provided grant funding for greenway projects in Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and hope to support more. My officials are continuing to engage with Councils regarding their priority active travel projects.

I have also invited Councils to submit capital proposals for greening of alleyways. Officials have met Belfast City Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to discuss their proposals for funding under this initiative and have provided information to others.