Funding has been approved for the development of a walking trail at Balix Hill, Plumbridge.

Derry City and Strabane District Council agreed to commit £31,000 in match funding towards the project as well as £125,000 match funding for the development of a new woodland trail in Donemana.

Outlining to members details of the Balix Hill proposal at Plumbrige, the Director of Environment and Regeneration with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Karen Phillips, explained how Aghnacbrack & District Community Association and RAPID had secured £19,000 from the DAERA Challenge Fund to develop a new countryside walking trail.

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She explained that while the funds will oversee the installation of a boardwalk and interpretive signage, the estimated total project cost is £50,000 that required Council to assist in providing the £31,000 shortfall.

In relation to the Donemana Woodland Trail, Ms Phillips explained that in partnership with St James Church in Donemana, the council is currently preparing a £250,000 funding application for submitting to Sport NI's Everybody Active 2020: Outdoor Spaces fund, to develop the woodland walking trail.

She added that the outcome of that funding decision is expected in late summer and subject to this, it was proposed that the council ringfence funds of £125,000 in the interim.

(CD/LM)