Enagh Youth Forum says it’s time for the extension of the Waterside greenway in Derry to Strathfoyle

This week as part of its five stage lockdown recovery plan (see Page 15) the Executive has committed to encouraging more people to walk and cycle for short journeys where possible, not just during the COVID-19 crisis but habitually.

The Enagh Youth Forum has said it’s now time for the Executive to back this up with capital spending on user-friendly joint cycling paths and walkways in Derry.

“It’s time to invest in cycling infrastructure to connect communities and improve health and well-being. Greenways make a real difference to people’s lives and there has been a massive increase in people walking and cycling since in the outbreak of COVID-19.

“This highlights the need to invest further so that when things slowly get back to normal, people keep on cycling and encourage their family and friends and to cycle too.

“Planning permission for the Strathfoyle Greenway has been in place since 2012. Council have just recently completed land purchases for the project. What’s needed now is government funding to bring the project to a construction phase.”

Last month the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said that she was committed “reimagining and reshaping our spaces to accommodate cycling, walking and active travel as part of an ambitious Executive recovery plan.”

EYF said: “Hopefully the minister’s positive announcement will now pave the way for increased investment in greenways including the Strathfoyle Greenway.

“When completed the greenway will connect communities; enable many hundreds of workers employed within the Lisahally, Maydown and DuPont Industrial estates to cycle to work and go some way to combatting the worst effects of rural isolation and social exclusion. The Strathfoyle Greenway has cross party support. It’s time to make it happen.”