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The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed the Glider extension scheme to north Belfast and south Belfast is facing a shortfall of approximately £110m, with the money still to be secured for the project.

The initial phase of the Belfast Rapid Transit Glider service, which operates in east and west Belfast, was launched in 2018. Plans were then put forward to extend the scheme along the Antrim Road to Glengormley and via the Ormeau Road and Saintfield Road to Carryduff.

However, works on the proposals could be delayed after the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) confirmed there is a shortfall.

In a statement issued to the Newtownabbey Times, a Departmental spokesperson said: “The estimated delivery cost for Belfast Rapid Transit 2 (BRT2) is £142m to £148m, based on the interim butline business case costings, however, this is currently under review. While funding of £35m will be provided through the Belfast Region City Deal this will not fully deliver the BRT2 project as it leaves a current funding shortfall in the region of £110 million.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd MLA announched the preferred routes for Phase 2 of Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT2) in October 2022. (Pic: Contributed by DfI).

Glider extension scheme facing shortfall over £100m

"BRT2 was successful in securing £20m funding from New Deal (NI) pending Treasury outline business case approval, however, this funding has now been paused.

“The Department has continued to carry out a significant amount of work on the scheme and the next steps will involve finalising the outline business case and the progression of the project to detailed design stage.

"The feasibility of extensions to both Glengormley and Carryduff is nearing completion. This will include the outline business case and recommendations on the way forward. A timeframe for delivery of the scheme will be subject to the completion of all the statutory processes and the availability of funding, which is currently not secured.”

The Department issued the update to this newspaper after Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd answered South Belfast Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl in the Assembly regarding how plans for the north Belfast to south Belfast route were progressing.

The minister stated: “Work is almost complete to determine the feasibility of extensions to Glengormley and Carryduff, to conclude the outline business case, and recommendations on the way forward."

'Funding still not secured' for Glider extension scheme