A PILOT scheme to light the urban section of the Comber Greenway is to commence next year.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon made the announcement yesterday after the outcome of a public consultation.
A popular traffic free route between Belfast and Comber, the number of people who use it drops off during the evenings and in the winter months.
Ms Mallon said active travel and the development of greenways was key to her green recovery agenda.
"I am delighted that over 1,700 people responded to the consultation with the vast majority in favour of a lighting scheme," she said.
"A total of 81 per cent supported lighting the Comber Greenway along the urban section including 65 per cent of those who own property backing on to the greenway.
"I have therefore taken the decision to proceed with a pilot lighting scheme between Beersbridge Road and Billy Neill Halt."
Ms Mallon said the introduction of the new red spectrum lighting scheme, will make travel throughout the whole year "more feasible while also minimising light pollution and protecting the local environment and bat population along this corridor".
"The pilot will be reviewed by my department after two years and will help form a decision on whether the scheme should be further extended along the rural section between Billy Neill Halt and Comber," she said.
"In addition I will also be implementing a further pilot scheme to introduce route signs and guidance between the Knock Road and East Link section.
"Once in place these signs will enhance the experience for visitors and regular users allowing more people to enjoy this shared space in a safe manner."
Work is expected to commence in the summer.
