Broad public backing for Derry section of Buncrana greenway after safety addressed, says consultation report

A report submitted in support of an application to develop the cycleway indicates that some people did have concerns about high traffic volumes along the A2.

However, these are being addressed as part of the design process, according to fresh documents filed with the Derry City and Strabane District Council application.

The proposed greenway will commence at St. Columb’s College and will run along the footpath past The Hawthorns and Templemore Road before passing through Templemore Sports Complex to the Upper Galliagh Road.

From there it will follow the old Lough Swilly railway across the Skeoge Link Road and on to Elagh Road and Elagh Business Park.

The development forms part of the wider North West Greenway Network (NWGN) that will see 46.5 kilometres of cyclepath rolled out between Derry and Buncrana, Derry and Muff and Strabane and Lifford.

A pre-application community consultation report reveals that the vast majority of people who responded to a consultation on the greenway between June 2018 and June 2020 were enthusiastic about the project.

Some people had initial concerns about the route’s proximity to the busy Derry to Buncrana road but these have been ironed out.

“The Design Team acknowledged the public feedback received and addressed the comments in the design development as far as practicable.

“The proposed route alignment is now predominantly offline, significantly removed from the A2 carriageway which addresses concerns at consultation stage in regards high traffic volumes and safety,” the report states.

The new report says most people who returned feedback forms were supportive and that the consultation process had been useful in identifying safety concerns early.

A design statement, meanwhile, confirms that talks have been ongoing between the project team and the owners of lands zoned for housing in the area to ensure the greenway can proceed.

“From Skeoge Link Road to Elagh Business Park, the greenway is proposed adjacent to the line of the former railway. The greenway is through lands currently zoned for residential development (H1B Lands) and current proposals do not allow for any access points to the greenway along this section. The project team have been in discussion with the landowners (and/or their appointed agents), and discussions are ongoing in regards ensuring the proposed greenway scheme complements housing masterplans,” it states.

The developers of the scheme acknowledge that regular engagement with the public is key.

“Ongoing consultation with the community, via community groups, media etc. is deemed essential to the success of the overall project and consultation will continue to take place through the life of the project.”