New greenway project 'will connect Strabane to Derry'

THE Strabane Greenways group is encouraging local people to respond to the consultation that is now underway regarding the development of the Lifford to Carrigans Greenway Project.

Spokesperson Daithí McKay said: "The Lifford to Carrigans Greenway is of huge strategic importance to both Lifford and Strabane as it will potentially link us directly to Derry City by greenway on the west side of the River Foyle.

"The proposal aims to connect to the existing Foyle Valley greenway that runs from Derry to the outskirts of Carrigans.

“The new Strabane North Greenway which opened earlier this year represents the start, we believe, of a Strabane to Derry greenway route.

"The local council are keen to complete the remainder of the unpaved section to the old bridge.

"The Department of Infrastructure should support them in doing this and ensuring a pedestrian bridge is completed to Corkan Island.

“If the Strabane North greenway is completed then it paves the way to easily connect to the proposed Lifford to Carrigans Greenway."

Strabane Greenways committee member, Shaun McGlade, added: "In our response to the consultation we have said that the new Lifford to Carrigans Greenway should be away from the main road as much as possible to ensure that it is an attractive greenway that people will want to use.

“The physical and mental health benefits of this to people living in Strabane would be huge.

"It will also offer tourism benefits for the town and will make Strabane a more attractive place to live by adding to its green space options.

“We are encouraging local sports clubs, community groups, businesses and members of the public to respond to this and outline how important it is that this new project connects to the Strabane Greenway and also that it should be an ‘off-road greenway’ that will be attractive to locals and tourists alike.”

Members of the public can view details of the proposed greenway at https://carrigansliffordgreenway.ie/ where questionnaires can be downloaded and returned to CarrigansLiffordGreenway@

aecom.com

The deadline for responses is Friday, May 17.