North Belfast Glider latest as DfI expresses interest in Glengormley park and ride site

North Belfast Glider latest as DfI expresses interest in Glengormley park and ride site Earlier this year it was confirmed the project is not expected to be completed until 2033 11:13, 02 Jun 2026 The Department for Infrastructure has officially "declared an interest" in a proposed park and ride site to facilitate the North Belfast Glider extension, it has emerged. ‌ The North to South Belfast Glider was first announced by then-Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon in July 2021, with a timeline for when services could be operational being set out. It was proposed that the service would be up and running by September 2027. ‌ Earlier this year, however, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed it's not expected the project will be completed until 2033 , subject to securing additional funding required. ‌ The service currently only runs from East to West Belfast , with a link to the Titanic Quarter. It first began operating in September 2018, with Translink saying the eco-hybrid 'tram on wheels' makes city centre travel more convenient and hassle-free. This week, DUP MLA Phillip Brett asked the Infrastructure Minister for an update on land purchases to facilitate the North Belfast route. The Infrastructure Minister confirmed the Department for Infrastructure have declared an interest in the proposed site for the Park and Ride facility on the O'Neill Road in Glengormley . Minister Kimmins said: "My Department has officially declared an interest in the proposed site for the Park and Ride facility at O’Neill Road to the landowner, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, and engagement is ongoing with council officials to progress this matter. ‌ Speaking to , Phillip Brett said the "ongoing delay" in securing an end point for the North Belfast Glider is "hugely disappointing." He added: "Despite repeated commitments, the Minister has made little tangible progress in advancing this vital project. "At a time when I have successfully secured additional funding to support late-night public transport services, it is frustrating that people in North Belfast continue to be short-changed because of Sinn Féin’s failure to drive this scheme forward. "The North Belfast Glider has the potential to improve connectivity, support economic growth and provide better access to jobs, education and local services. I will continue to champion investment in North Belfast and press the Department to deliver the infrastructure and public transport improvements that local residents deserve." ‌ On February 25, 2025, the minister announced the next steps for the Belfast Rapid Transit 2 project , which included scaling the service back to omit stops beyond Cairnshill Park and Ride to Carryduff and not extending the service to Glengormley, deeming this "not economically viable." In response to a written question from the SDLP's Matthew O'Toole in February, Minister Kimmins revealed funding secured so far for extending the Glider service is £76m short of the £124.5m required. It has been previously reported the cost of the project is £148m. So far, £35m has been allocated for the Glider from the Belfast Region City Deal, while the Department for Infrastructure has committed £13m, which the minister said "will enable the commencement of a phased delivery." Article continues below For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.