By Paul McElwee
THE Riverine Project, which will see the landscapes of Lifford and Strabane irrevocably transformed, can finally begin after Peace Plus funding to the tune of €16.7m was announced by the Special EU Programmes on Monday.
The project is a joint venture between Donegal County Council, the lead partner, and Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Improvements to both towns under the terms of the project will encompass a cross-community park and greenway, a family fun space, a pavilion building for cultural events, a cycle lane and a new pedestrian bridge linking Strabane and Lifford.
Numerous false dawns have befallen the project since it was first announced in 2011 due to lost funding on three separate occasions and planning snafus but thanks to intense lobbying, it seems to be on the verge of delivery thanks to a new funding application of €10 million to SEPUB under their Peace Plus Programme was lodged last year, with planning permission now fully granted.
Killygordon councillor Patrick McGowan, a long-time supporter of Riverine, has hailed the ‘marathon ‘effort’ undertaken by both councils to get the project over the line.
“I have great praise for the two councils who never gave up the fight to get this project to fruition. I’m absolutely delighted for both towns and thaw wider community that they’ve got a second chance and grabbed it with both hands and it is a testament to everyone involved that they didn’t take the previous setbacks lying down.
“An investment of this magnitude will be regenerative for the whole area and will lead on to bigger things.
“Lifford was always the gateway to visitors coming from all over Northern Ireland across the border and, while we have seen improvements in Lifford, such as new housing and a proposed new hospital, I think it’s important that the town makes a great first impression to visitors and this project does that.
“Hopefully this will turn the page for two communities which have suffered great economic hardship for too long. People often say that a bridge divides Lifford and Strabane; I think it’s what unites us.”
Donegal Deputy and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty has also weighed in, describing today’s announcement as ‘a huge boost’ for the area.
“It is very welcome news that €16.7 million of EU funding has been awarded to the long awaited Riverine Park project between Lifford and Strabane. It will be transformative for the area and will be a great amenity.”
Praising his parties’ determination in ensuring the project stayed on track, meeting SEUPB CEO Gina McIntyre and with the chief executives of Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Younous Omarjee MEP, chair of the EUs Regional Development Committee, he continued: “Sinn Féin on both sides of the border never gave up on the project and continued our efforts to get Riverine back on track.
“I wish to commend the officials from both councils who worked in conjunction with the SEUPB and other relevant agencies to get this over the line. I would also pay tribute to the fantastic work of the stakeholder group and all who contributed to making today’s decision
happen.
“It’s been a long road but this is a great day for Lifford and Strabane.”
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