Carryduff is now being considered as part of the South Belfast glider extension route, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed.
The Department for Infrastructure is currently working on plans for phase two of the Belfast Rapid Transit scheme, which would see the Glider programme extended to South and North Belfast.
A number of routes were identified for the project last year and put out to public consultation, with one from the City Centre along the Ormeau Road to the Cairnshill Park and Ride being preferred for the southern leg.
At the time the Department said that it had ruled out continuing the scheme past the park and ride to Carryduff, frustrating some local residents and representatives who felt that there would be a number of benefits for the Glider being extended to the town.
South Belfast SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole raised the issue with Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon, requesting that Carryduff be included in any potential plans and welcomed the news that it is now being considered.
He said: “It’s fantastic to be able to have this formal commitment from Minister Mallon.
"This area has been historically underserved by public transport. Including them in Glider Phase 2 route is the perfect way to rectify this.
“Carryduff and Newtownbreda are thriving, growing communities. We expect over 2,000 homes to be built here in the next decade. It makes perfect sense to provide more public transport in the area to meet this future demand.
"Extending the glider network to Carryduff will help connect this flourishing community to the wider city, and make progress on our climate and clean air priorities."
SDLP councillor John Gallen said that extending the Glider scheme to Carryduff would provide a boost to the revitalisation of the area which is continuing to grow and expand.
He said: "I'm delighted that we have secured formal reconsideration of the Glider Phase 2 being extended to Carryduff. The growing and vibrant community of Carryduff needs better links to Belfast city centre and beyond.
"As well as helping to meet our urgent climate change and active travel goals, extending the Glider is the ideal way to put a boost under the revitalisation of Carryduff. We now need a focus on ensuring that the link is confirmed and delivered."
In a letter to Mr O'Toole, Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon said: "Thank you for your email, regarding the route for the Glider extension and your request that consideration be given to extending the service to serve Carryduff.
"I can confirm that this proposal is currently being considered by the BRT2 project team and our transport consultants. It is my intention to publish a Public Consultation Report in due course which will include details of the consultation feedback gathered and provide responses to suggested alternative route options."
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