20/02/2026
Belfast Rapid Transport 2 Remains On Schedule – DfI
The Department for Infrastructure has provided an update on the Belfast Rapid Transport 2 (BRT2) scheme, stating the project remains on schedule.
The Outline Business Case was approved in December 2025 and the department is appointing engineering consultants to carry out the detailed design and delivery programme. Early works are expected to begin later this year, with full construction planned for 2027, in line with a timeline set out in February 2025.
The route is anticipated to take six years from the start of construction to become fully operational. Delivery of the full scheme is dependent on additional funding, with a £100 million shortfall to be considered in a multi-year budget.
A Department spokesperson said: "There has been no delay to the Belfast Rapid Transport 2 (BRT2) project. The Outline Business Case for the project was approved in December 2025 and officials are now in the process of appointing engineering consultants to deliver the detailed design phase and associated delivery program, this will complete the initial phase of delivery.
"We are on course to be on the ground later this year, with the intention for full construction starting 2027. This is in line with the timeline set out by the Minister in February 2025.
"It has always been anticipated that the BRT2 route would take 6 years to become fully operational from the start of construction.
"Since her announcement in February 2025 regarding the next steps for BRT2, the Minister has always been clear that delivery of the project in full would be subject to the availability of additional funding. There is currently a £100million shortfall and the Minister will consider this in the multi-year budget."
The Outline Business Case was approved in December 2025 and the department is appointing engineering consultants to carry out the detailed design and delivery programme. Early works are expected to begin later this year, with full construction planned for 2027, in line with a timeline set out in February 2025.
The route is anticipated to take six years from the start of construction to become fully operational. Delivery of the full scheme is dependent on additional funding, with a £100 million shortfall to be considered in a multi-year budget.
"We are on course to be on the ground later this year, with the intention for full construction starting 2027. This is in line with the timeline set out by the Minister in February 2025.
"It has always been anticipated that the BRT2 route would take 6 years to become fully operational from the start of construction.
"Since her announcement in February 2025 regarding the next steps for BRT2, the Minister has always been clear that delivery of the project in full would be subject to the availability of additional funding. There is currently a £100million shortfall and the Minister will consider this in the multi-year budget."
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