Strathfoyle greenway concerns

Eamon O'Donnell and Paul Hughes pictured at the proposed Greenway site. DER4414-119KM

The matter was raised at the Council’s monthly meeting in the Guildhall on Thursday by Independent Councillor Warren Robinson.

Colr. Robinson said the recently confirmed plans for a cross border greenway network out towards Buncrana and Lifford were very welcome “but there seems to be an issue around the Strathfoyle greenway.”

Colr. Robinson pointed out that planning permissions had been granted back in 2014 for the development, with no objections.

He added that the scheme will tackle rural isolation for residents in Strathfoyle, promote more active lifestyles and connect the population to the rest of the city.

A Council officer responded that Strathfoyle remained a “live project on our Capital Project list”.

“Officers are currently negotiating with landowners in terms of taking the project forward,” she said.

A report on the Strathfoyle greenway will now be brought before the next Environment & Regeneration Committee meeting.

The call for progress at the meeting mirrored fresh calls made by Strathfoyle based Enagh Youth Forum for the project to be advanced.

Paul Hughes, Community Empowerment Worker with Enagh Youth Forum, said local residents who are taking part in the Strathfoyle Community Empowerment Project are now actively campaigning on the issue, and are already busy collecting signatures for a petition to present to Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The group has also recently contacted a number of elected representatives and other governmental departments including the Department for Infrastructure and Department for Communities.

Mr Hughes said: “The Strathfoyle Community Empowerment Project continues to put people first and its great to see local people actively campaigning on this issue as the greenway extension is something that really will improve health and well being and connect Strathfoyle to the city.”

“We are also fully supportive of the ‘Ebrington Parents’ in their campaign for the Clooney Greenway because we all recognise that the provision of both greenways will greatly enhance health and well-being, connect people with their environment & promote more active lifestyles.”