A local school is set to gain a new park and ride pathway amid road safety concerns for children

Busy traffic and pavement parking outside St Ita’s Primary just off the Purdysburn Road has brought about a multi-agency effort to protect pupils on their way to school.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s recent regeneration committee has now approved an agreement with land owners Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to progress the scheme.

School principal, Suzanne Eastwood said: “We are delighted on the progress that has been made for the new pathway, this has been a long time coming.

“The Purdysburn Road can be a risk for the children with the speed of cars in the area and this new pathway will provide a safe route to and from the school.

“This will be a fantastic safety measure for the children and parents at the park and ride who can make their way to the school as well as for the local community as an access point.”

In 2025, the school became the focus of a pilot pedestrian scheme by the Department for Infrastructure with brightly colour bollards in the shape of pencils erected on pathways.

The new off road pathway will provide a safe route to school of about half a mile from the nearby Cairnshill Park and Ride protected by fencing and trees.

Councillor Jamie Harpur said: “For those living in the St Ita area, they will know full well that traffic issues are a real safety concern for residents as well as parents and children going to school.”

Councillor Ryan Carlin added: “This has been an ongoing saga over the past couple of years trying to get this wrapped up.

“Is there any sort of indication of time lines for this, perhaps to seek planning approval? Are we talking within the next year to 18 months?”

A council officer responded: “There will be a planning application required for this. There are limited resources, we will also do this in-house.

“It is proposed that this pathway form part of the council’s bid for the DfI greenways 50% grant aided scheme.

“Typically you are looking at 14-18 months in respect of delivering this. We now have surety about the ability to do something on the land without having to spend public money speculatively.”