A draft transport plan for Belfast and the surrounding metropolitan area proposes a 20mph speed limit across the city centre, alongside expanded pedestrian-priority streets and a new civic spine.
The Eastern Transport Plan has been published for consultation by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure, together with the final Northern Ireland Transport Strategy 2035. The consultation is open until 25 January 2027.
Wider transport proposals
The plan also includes new Glider routes, simplified bus routing and additional bus-priority measures. Other proposals include an expanded segregated cycling network, reduced through-traffic and reforms to parking management.
Across the wider metropolitan area, the department is proposing new Glider corridors on key radial routes, new and upgraded cycling infrastructure, targeted 20mph zones and public realm improvements in local centres. It also includes new and expanded Park & Ride sites and strategic transport network improvements, including bus priority measures.
The plan was developed with Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh, and Mid and East Antrim councils. It is the first in a series of plans intended to cover all 11 council areas and sets transport investment priorities through to 2035.
Consultation and delivery
The Eastern Transport Plan replaces the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan 2015. Its vision and objectives were agreed and published in 2024 following public engagement.
The department said the first consultation focuses on Belfast and its metropolitan area because of the links with local development plans and the advanced stage of Belfast City Council’s Local Policies Plan. Consultations covering the remaining council areas will follow.
Northern Ireland’s Transport Strategy 2035 sets out an ambition for a cleaner, smarter and more inclusive transport system that addresses climate change requirements and serves urban and rural communities. Its draft was consulted on in June 2025.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “This draft Plan is an important first step in transforming how people move around the region, and public feedback will play a vital role in shaping its future. I encourage everyone to share their views and engage with the consultation process so that, together, we can create a better transport system for all.”
The department has not published costs or a delivery timetable for the proposals. Consultation responses can be submitted online, with local consultation events taking place during the consultation period.