Contractors F P McCann Ltd have delivered the much-anticipated new Pennyburn Bridge on behalf of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The bridge which was officially opened by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, was funded by the Department for Communities and the EU INTERREG VA programme, administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Pennyburn Bridge features a new 63 metres, single span foot and cycle bridge across the Penny Burn, near Fort George, as well as a 660 metre greenway link to Bay Road Park.

Welcoming the news that the project has been successfully delivered, Mayor Logue said: "I am delighted that, after a successful delivery stage, this iconic project is now open to the public, and it will physically bridge a long-standing gap in the City and District’s walking and cycling network. The bridge will offer enhanced active and sustainable travel options and give more people access to this beautiful stretch of riverside."

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SEUPB's Chief Executive, Ms Gina McIntyre, added: "The opening of the Pennyburn Bridge is another exciting step in the development of the INTERREG VA North West Greenway project. Bridges are an important symbol of the strides we are making as a society, forging connections between people and places, and supporting the development of a better, greener and more sustainable future for all.

"I would like to thank the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport in Ireland, who both contributed financially and non-financially within this INTERREG VA funding package. I would like to congratulate Derry City & Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council for the vision and leadership they have shown in delivering this project."

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "It is great to see the completion of the Pennyburn Bridge and Greenway. It is a great example of collaborative working between my Department, SEUPB, local government, and the wider community. This major Green Infrastructure project is a key part of our Greenway network linking communities to the city centre. It will also complement future development works planned for Fort George and encourage sustainable travel to and from the site."