DONEGAL County Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council say they are fully committed to delivering the long awaited cross-border Riverine Community Park Project.
The project consists of a new public park encompassing both sides of the River Foyle to include a park and community building at Lifford, a public park and nature trails at Strabane and a new pedestrian bridge over the river to link both sides of the park.
The project also includes twelve cross community initiatives to encourage greater interaction between communities on both sides of the border.
In a joint statement, the councils say the Riverine Community Park Project in Lifford and Strabane was initially awarded €8.96 million in funding through the Peace IV programme under Objective 3 Shared Spaces and Services in October 2019.
The allocation was subsequently revised upwards to € 11.77 million on foot of inflation and other cost increasing matters.
“Unfortunately, the delivery of the project was significantly delayed owing to the complexity in securing the required Planning Consents and Licences across both council areas and as a consequence it was concluded that the project could not meet the delivery timeframe for the PEACE IV programme,” the statement read.
“While it is hugely disappointing for the communities in Lifford and Strabane that Riverine was not able to progress further through the PEACE IV programme, Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council are fully committed to the delivery of a new shared space linking the communities of Lifford and Strabane as soon as is possible.”
The statement confirmed that the councils are jointly working up a further funding application for the Riverine Community Park Project for consideration under Investment Area 1.4 Re-imaging Communities as part of the PEACEPLUS Programme.
This application must be submitted by September 7 next.
“This presents a significant and very timely opportunity to complete all the good work and activities in continued partnership with the community,” the statement continued.
“The issues which delayed the progress of the Project under the PEACE IV programme are largely resolved with planning consent now confirmed by An Bord Pleanála for the Lifford Park and Bridge and planning consent expected for the Strabane Park works and Bridge later in the coming months.
“Foreshore licences from respective Government departments are awaited and it is anticipated will be delivered in a timely manner and well within PEACEPLUS Programme timeframes.
“Both Councils are currently reaching out to community groups seeking confirmation and demonstration of continued support for the Riverine project and are therefore engaging with as many community groups and wider stakeholders as is possible to secure letters of support.
“We are seeking the support of all involved as we jointly strive to deliver this much needed and anticipated Community facility for the people of Lifford and Strabane and wider area.”
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