Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning committee has approved plans for a cross-border community park linking Strabane and Lifford with a new pedestrian and cycle bridge.

The project will link the two presently divided lands on either side of the border through the establishment of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge and the development of community parkland. This initiative seeks to foster walking and cycling pathways, unite the two communities, and improve opportunities for positive cross-community interaction.

At its monthly meeting held on Derry Road in Strabane, the Council's Planning Committee approved the eastern portion of the Riverine Community Park located in the area. This decision follows a prior approval by An Bord Pleanala for the development on the Lifford side, ensuring that all necessary planning consents are now secured for the completion of the project.

-- Advertisement --

Included in the Tyrone side of the development is a new open area of space, site access, amenity lighting and a bridge to the western section of the park at Lifford.

A significant application for funding is pending a decision for SEUPB under their Peace Plus Programme with an anticipated outcome later this Spring.

Chair of Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Sean Mooney, said:

"This is positive news for the people of Strabane and Lifford that this key element of the ambitious Riverine project has received full planning permission.

"The long awaited Riverine Community Park Project aims to regenerate this border riverside area to create a cross-border community park straddling the River Foyle and deliver much needed parkland space in the area.

"The completed project will be a shared space to bring communities together from both sides of the border, to re-connect and to form new connections and relationships."