CONSTRUCTION on the Donegal phase of the long awaited Riverine Project will commence in January.
The scheme, which will link Lifford with Strabane via a new bridge and community park, was granted €9 million last year after more than a decade of setbacks.
Donegal County Council has now begun inviting tenders from contractors to carry out the work.
Five contractors will be shortlisted before a final appointment is announced.
The successful applicant will be tasked with building a community facility, a multi-functional outdoor space and external stage area.
Play areas, walkways and cycleways are also to be developed, as is a car park with 74 spaces and provisions for cycle parking.
A new spectator stand to accommodate 123 people will be built while an existing hare coursing track will be relocated.
The contractor will also be responsible for the provision of a new electricity substation and wastewater pumping station.
The anticipated start date for the development is January 2023 with the contract lasting for 12 months.
Derry City and Strabane District Council Independent Paul Gallagher said it was good news that the project had reached the stage of seeking a contractor after years of stops and starts.
“It is a good day to hear news like this, that Strabane and Lifford are to get a town park that will meet the needs of families and individuals on any given day of the year,” Councillor Gallagher said.
“This project is going to bring alive that area and it is something that everyone wants, from Dunamanagh to Castlederg and from Castlefinn down to Porthall and beyond.”
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