A new green infrastructure improvement project has officially opened in the village of Park, L'Derry.

The project in Learmount Forest included the construction of a replacement footbridge, path improvements, new seats, picnic benches and better signage.

The pedestrian footbridge known locally as the 'Footstick' was entirely washed away during the widespread severe flooding event of August 2017.

Thereafter, funding was secured, by Derry City and Strabane District Council, from the COVID Recovery Small Settlements Programme for the construction of a replacement footbridge and to improve access to the new bridge from both the Altinure Road and the car park at Learmount Country Park.

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The COVID Recovery Small Settlements Programme is a collaboration between the Department for Communities, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Department for Infrastructure, which all worked closely with local councils to identify priority projects for delivery on the ground. 

At the opening of the new Footstick Bridge Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "I am delighted that my department was able to contribute £82,500 to this programme at Learmount Country Park which has brought tangible benefits to our rural communities by supporting initiatives on the ground.

"This is a fantastic project which provides a relaxing green space for local people and visitors to visit and enjoy the natural environment."

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons added: "This project in Park Village will provide much welcomed green infrastructure for the rural communities in the North West.  

"The Small Settlements programme, led by my department, has been an excellent example of three departments working together with local Councils to regenerate towns and villages across Northern Ireland."