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Belfast Glider Extension Delayed Again
19 Feb
Summary
- Glider bus route expansion to north and south Belfast faces another three-year delay.
- The estimated completion date for the Belfast Rapid Transit 2 project is now 2033.
- An opposition MLA criticizes the Northern Ireland Executive for a lack of ambition.
Plans to extend Belfast's Glider bus service have been hit with another significant delay, pushing the projected completion date for the Belfast Rapid Transit 2 (BRT2) project to 2033. This latest setback adds three years to previous estimates, extending a timeline that originally aimed for a 2027 completion.
An MLA for the Social Democratic and Labour Party has voiced strong disappointment, criticizing the Northern Ireland Executive for a "lack of ambition" in delivering the crucial infrastructure. The opposition leader highlighted concerns over congestion and air quality in Belfast, issues the Glider expansion aims to address.
The Department of Infrastructure has indicated that the estimated delivery cost for BRT2 is £124.5 million. While £35 million has been secured from Belfast Region City Deal partners and an additional £13 million committed by the department, a substantial funding shortfall persists. Engineering consultants are now being appointed for the detailed design phase.
Previous attempts to expand the Glider service, including to Glengormley and Carryduff, were scaled back last year due to economic viability concerns. The latest delay, discovered through a written question, has drawn criticism for its lack of public communication.
