A new path has transformed a previously overgrown wasteland and inaccessible riverbank into an attractive link route connecting local residents to a Co Tyrone town centre.

The Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today travelled to Omagh and donned his walking gear to open the new 'Riverside Walk and Cycle Path' in the centre of the town.

The path also marks the final part of a £10.5m major town centre regeneration scheme which involved the construction of the Strule Arts Centre.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Attwood commended the Council on its vision in undertaking the project, and said: "The Riverside Walk regeneration project is a boost for the people of Omagh. Opening up this derelict and inaccessible site to the public will enable local people to make daily journeys more conveniently on foot or by bicycle.

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"I appreciate that we are working in unprecedented difficult economic times. However, I want to encourage investment in our towns that contribute to our economy.

"In my view, there is a good argument that pound for pound, government investment in urban regeneration is as effective an economic tool as other job interventions," he said.

Council Chairman, Declan McAleer said that he was delighted that this phase of the Riverside walk and cycle path project had been completed: "The path will not only make the most of the River Strule as a feature of the town, but it will also enable people in Omagh to make their everyday journeys to school, work and leisure activities more accessible and convenient on foot or by bicycle.

"This project has made an immense and vital contribution to the improvement of the visual amenity and environment, and is an important addition to the social and recreational infrastructure of this area.

"I look forward to further phases of the Riverside Walk and Cycle Path being developed in the near future."

Councillor McAleer also expressed the gratitude of Omagh District Council to the Department for Social Development for the generous funding and support which the Department has made available to this project, and without which the project would not have been realised.

The new walk and cycle path forms part of a much larger Sustrans supported network. It is intended that the walk and cyclepath will eventually extend through the former military sites at Lisanelly and St Lucia to reach Strathroy to the west.

Sustrans is a leading UK charity helping people to travel by foot, bike or public transport.

(GK)