Councils reaffirm commitment to deliver Riverine project

Elected members and senior officers from Derry City and Strabane District and Donegal County Councils met this week to reaffirm their strong commitment to progressing with the Riverine Community Park project.

The meeting was held following the recent positive planning decision approving the development by An Bord Pleanála and to discuss an application for funding through the upcoming Peace Plus process.

The project, which is led by Donegal County Council in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, had been approved for funding under the Peace IV programme but experienced unforeseen challenges in obtaining necessary statutory approvals which meant the project could not be completed within the timescales of the funding programme.

The Riverine Community Park is a joint project developed by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council to develop a 30 acre dedicated cross-border and cross-community shared space in Strabane and Lifford.  It is anticipated that the project will include a park of regional significance, which will be located along the banks of the River Foyle on both sides, comprising of a number of key elements including outdoor events space, managed parkland, enhanced river access, environmental area, an adventure play area and community building. 

The shared space will be linked by a pedestrian and cycle bridge that will span across the river, representing a physical and symbolic link in connecting the communities of Strabane, Lifford and their rural hinterlands.  The project will also be supported by a dedicated community animation programme, designed to promote sustained and meaningful cross-border and cross-community contact and relations through a range of programmed activities targeting various groups. 

Both Councils have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering this hugely important cross-border cross-community shared spaces regeneration project for Strabane and Lifford and confirmed that they are working with funders and relevant supporting Government Departments to agree a strategic funding and delivery plan going forward.

The remaining elements of the project will be delivered over subsequent phases to align with the availability of relevant funding programmes, including the imminent launch of the Peace Plus Programme.