AT LAST.... £1.28m funding confirmed for Strathfoyle Greenway Project

The two projects are among six across the north being awarded 50% funding of the overall capital cost of the projects, with the local Council being asked to urgently submit business cases to the Department indicating part funding of the other 50%.

The Strathfoyle Greenway will be allocated the lion’s share of the overall £2.8m new package of funding, with £1.28m going towards the Derry project, which will cost £2.56m in total.

The funding announcement comes just weeks after Strathfoyle residents launched a renewed campaign to try and secure the money needed for a safe pedestrian walking and cycling route between the Strathfoyle/ Maydown area and the rest of the city. Local people have been campaigning for eight years.

The Strabane North Greenway meanwhile will be allocated almost £500,000.

Minister Mallon made the announcement today during a visit to the Lagan Gateway Greenway which will be one of the projects to benefit from investment.

She said: “Since becoming Minister I have made clear my desire to change the way we travel and I have had the opportunity to see and hear at first-hand how greenways can impact our physical and mental wellbeing, whether that is during a daily commute or to enjoy some leisure time.

“In June I committed £20million for blue/green infrastructure and to working with all Council areas in identifying and delivering active travel and greenway projects. Today I am delighted to commit £2.8million from that fund towards these six worthy projects.

“The four Councils to benefit have indicated that the schemes would be ready to begin work in the 2020/21 financial year. However, it is important to say this is just the beginning.

“I want to see more greener and cleaner places across our island, where families and communities can thrive. These projects are the start of that change and we need to work together in government, in council and in our communities to deliver more change right across the North.

“Today I have written to each of these councils asking them to urgently submit their business cases so that funding can be secured and construction can begin at the earliest possible opportunity.

“I look forward to seeing the schemes completed and more people out enjoying their local environment, either by walking, wheeling or cycling.”

The other four Greenways projects are as follows:

Forth Meadow Community Greenway (Belfast City Council) –total capital costs £750,000

Lagan Gateway Greenway – from Lagan Gateway pedestrian and cycle bridge to Belvoir Forest Park (Belfast City Council) –total capital cost £1.1 million

Banbridge Riverside Walk – Lighting Provision (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council) –total capital costs £180,000

North Down Coastal Path – widening near Stricklands Glen (Ards and North Down Borough Council) total capital costs £25,000

Final funding will be subject to the approval of the relevant business case and approval to the proposed grants.