Residents of the Clooney area in Co L'Derry are set to have a say on the future of recreational development locally.

The draft masterplan aims to improve community green infrastructure and connectivity in the area and includes enhanced greenway and sports facility provision as well as a new community park.

In 2018 Derry City & Strabane District Council endorsed the vision laid out in the Clooney Masterplan, which is supported by the Department for Communities (DfC), and since then has initiated formal negotiations with the Education Authority to secure its greenspace lands at the former Ebrington PS site.

Council has also set aside funds through the Capital Review Group to purchase these lands and to cover design development costs for a new greenway expansion to build on the success of the Clooney Greenway.

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The local authority has also set aside funds through the Capital Review Group to purchase these lands and to cover design development costs for a new greenway expansion to build on the success of the Clooney Greenway.

Its Green Infrastructure team have been working closely at the request of DfC with relevant stakeholders to help identify priorities for the area.

The masterplan has since been presented to cross-departmental senior officers, Elected Members, and stakeholder organisations on 21 April, where the plan was endorsed with minor amendments.

Local residents are now being asked to submit views on the masterplan ahead of the deadline on Wednesday 15 September. Following consultation a report will be brought back to Committee for consideration.

Welcoming the opening of the consultation, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "I am keen to hear the local community's views on the regeneration proposals contained within the Clooney Masterplan.

"My Department's lands are an integral part of the area covered by the Masterplan and the responses received will assist us in the co-design process to ensure that the community benefits fully from any future redevelopment. 

"Therefore, I encourage all local stakeholders to feedback their views and comments to Council during the consultation period."

Views on the draft masterplan can be submitted here.