Consultation marks step forward for Strabane-Sion Greenway

PLANS to provide a Greenway from Strabane to Sion Mills took a significant step forward yesterday (Tuesday) with the first look at how the project could look.

A public consultation was held at Melvin Sports Complex allowing the local community to view the proposals and have their say.

Council officers from the Green Infrastructure team were on hand to discuss the proposals, supported by high-quality display boards setting out the vision for the project.

The Greenway project is a key part of the council’s wider strategy to deliver high-quality active travel infrastructure across the district.

It is envisaged that the route will run from the Melvin Sports Complex along the River Mourne, linking to Sion Mills at Herdman’s Mill and extending onwards to Camus Bridge, using sections of the former railway line.

Derry City and Strabane District Council said the consultation provided an opportunity for the public to give feedback on the draft route and help shape the final proposals before the council progresses to the next stage of design and development.

Councillor Declan Norris, chairperson of council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee, said: "The Strabane–Sion Greenway will create a safe and accessible link between Strabane, Sion Mills, and beyond, encouraging more people to walk, wheel, and cycle for everyday journeys as well as leisure.

"It will connect communities, promote sustainable travel, and open up new opportunities to enjoy our local landscape.

"We want to hear from residents, community groups and stakeholders to ensure the project reflects local needs and aspirations."

The council had agreed to undertake a feasibility study in 2023 following a lobby by a cross-section of groups, including community organisations, business representatives and sports clubs. from the two areas

In a joint letter, the 26 groups, alongside the Strabane Greenways group, called for a riverside greenway between the town and village, outlining the huge economic, tourism and public health benefits.

Members of the Strabane Greenways group subsequently presented to a meeting of council's Environment and Regeneration committee, espousing the benefits of a future scheme, with councillors then agreeing to initiate a feasibility study.

The Strabane Greenways group has been instrumental in lobbying for the project, and the importance of more green space in the town.

"It's just over two years ago that our group was set up to campaign for a 6km Strabane-Sion Mills Greenway and two years later after some great work and many many meetings with council officials and councillors, we finally have reached this public consultation stage," the group said.

"We have walked the route of the proposed greenway with stakeholders and can see how it will be an asset connected to the town centre and its great to see how it will connect seamlessly with sport clubs in the Straban e and Sion Mills areas and avail of the natural beauty of the River Mourne."

Members were in attendance at the public consultation in support of the project, reiterating that the greenway needs to be ‘off-road’ and away from busy traffic.

"This is crucial," it continued. "In the community letter we submitted to council in 2023 we outlined that we believe this proposal will provide a safe, traffic-free route between Strabane and Sion Mills, promote physical and mental health and wellbeing, deliver access and connectivity for communities to enjoy and appreciate the environment, create jobs and new business opportunities (and) increase property values of nearby housing."

Strabane Sinn Féin’s councillor, Paul Boggs, who first brought a motion to council in 2023, said he is also delighted to see the project moving forward.

“The overall project aims to connect Melvin Sports Complex along the River Mourne to Sion Mills at Herdman’s Mill, and extending to Camus Bridge, using sections of the former railway line," he said.

“This is a really exciting project and it is important people have their say on the proposals.

“Active travel projects such as this one will help us to create a greener and better connected district for the future."