WORK is expected to start next year on a new cross-border cycle and walking path linking Strabane and Lifford after the planned route was unveiled yesterday.
The Strabane/Lifford greenway is the first of three multi-million-pound cycling and walking projects in the pipeline for the north west.
The route will ultimately form part of a huge walking and cycling network covering almost 29 miles in the Strabane and Derry/Inishowen areas. The £15.8 million EU funding for the cross-border project has already been secured.
Plans for the other two routes covering Derry to Buncrana and Derry to Muff are expected to be unveiled before December.
Unveiling the Strabane/Lifford route, Ronan Gallagher of the North West Greenway Network said it would create a “shared looped cycle route” connecting key residential, commercial and civic centres. He said the route would link St Patrick’s Church on the outskirts of Lifford with Strabane town centre, the Alley Theatre and Canal Basin among other key areas.
Mr Gallagher said the project would be delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council.
“We are very confident that the emerging design will help to transform how people moved between the two towns,” he said.
Mr Gallagher said a key objective was to create the infrastructure necessary to encourage people to cycling and walk more.
“Not only will we link Lifford and Strabane, but several schools will have access to a safe and segregated cycling and walking route,” he said.
Subject to planning permission, it is hoped to start work on the Strabane greenway by late next year.
Detailed plans will go on display at Strabane’s Alley Theatre next Wednesday, October 24 and at the County Offices in Lifford the following day between 2pm and 6pm.
