Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a comprehensive strategy to transform how residents move within Northern Ireland's urban areas.
Her Department intends to prioritise walking, wheeling or cycling as the most convenient and pleasant option for daily trips.
The initiative identifies more than 140 kilometres of designated paths intended for completion over the coming decade.
These priority corridors will link approximately 280,000 individuals to essential locations such as educational institutions, commercial districts and transport interchanges.
Specific targets include connecting 118 schools, 33 town centres and 17 public transport hubs directly to the new network.
Funding estimates for the initial phase range between £140 million and £280 million, calculated using current average costs per kilometre.
Beyond the immediate programme, the strategy outlines nearly 1,000 kilometres of further routes for future expansion.
This long-term vision aims to create a sustainable transport framework across towns and cities throughout the region.
The approach emphasises high-quality infrastructure designed to be welcoming and accessible to every member of the public.
Stakeholder engagement remains central to ensuring schemes meet local requirements and address identified challenges.
Consultation efforts have confirmed robust backing for linking communities to schools, shopping areas and bus stations.
Officials note that meaningful interaction with residents is vital to guaranteeing future usage and appreciation of the facilities.
The Northern Ireland Executive maintains an out-of-hours media service from 1800hrs on Friday until 0800hrs on Monday, including weekends and bank holidays.
Duty press officers are available at 028 9037 8110 for further inquiries regarding the plan's progress.