New greenway is officially opened

THE Lifford to Castlefinn Greenway was opened on Friday by Minister Jack Chambers.

Also opening on the same day was the Muff to Quigley’s Point Greenway: Both routes were constructed as part of the North West Greenway Network Project which will deliver a 46.5km network of cross border Greenways and are delivered by Donegal County Council in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Transport NI and Sustrans.

Events were held in Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin GAA Club and in the CPI Centre in Castlefinn to mark the occasion which were attended by Minister Charlie McConalogue, local Oireachtas members, Members of Donegal County Council, representatives from Derry City and Strabane District Council, the SEUPB, members of the local community, children from nearby schools and staff from the teams that delivered the project. Speaking on the day, Minister Chambers said the opening of the Donegal sections of the North-West Greenway represents an exciting development.

“This cross-border Greenway project has received significant financial support via the INTERREG VA programme which has provided approximately €21.5 million with the Department of Transport providing approximately €3 million in 2024 to support this project.

“This project is an exemplar initiative of cross border collaboration with Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council working together to realise 46.5km of segregated cycle lanes.

“This project has resulted in two separate Greenway routes connecting Derry to County Donegal.

“These routes will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking rather than private car use amongst leisure users, tourists, and commuters,” he concluded.

Leas-Cathaoirleach for Donegal County Council Cllr Gerry McMonagle thanked SEUPB and the Department of Transport for the investment and paid tribute to the work undertaken.

“I would like to praise the staff from Donegal County Council and the contractors who worked in partnership to swiftly deliver these new Greenways, the quality of the workmanship is evident as we stand here today and is a credit to all involved in the project,” he said.