A new cycle and foot bridge beside the former Fort George army barracks in Derry will encourage more people to adopt healthy travel methods, the city’s mayor has said.
Derry City and Strabane District Council has lodged planning permission for a 62-metre bridge which will span a water intake along the River Foyle.
It is part of a wider North West Greenway Network and will link Derry city centre to a cycle path extending to Muff in Co Donegal.
This in turn is part of improved cycle links from Derry to Muff, Derry to Buncrana and between Strabane and Lifford.
The bridge will also link Derry’s riverfront to the city’s Bay Road Park.
Mayor Michaela Boyle said the bridge would complement the emerging City Deal river front regeneration.
“It will play a significant role in connecting people through our infrastructure, facilitating more people to get outdoors and choose sustainable travel options whilst benefitting people’s health and wellbeing,” Ms Boyle said.
She said there was a “real need” for investment in projects which encouraged a more active and healthier lifestyle.
The European Union’s special programmes body – which is funding the work - said it would encourage people to adopt an “eco-friendly” form of travel.
Chief executive Gina McIntyre said: “It is also important, as we emerge from Covid-19 restrictions in the coming weeks and months, that we rebuild our society and the economy in a more environmentally-conscious way.”
Ms McIntyre said the bridge would pay “real and tangible dividends” for everyone in the future.