Planning for Strabane section of Riverine Project approved

PLANS for a cross-border community park linking Strabane and Lifford with a new pedestrian and cycle bridge came a step closer this week as planning permission was approved for the Strabane section of the project.

The Riverine Community Park’s eastern portion, the section that lies in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, was approved by Council’s Planning Committee at its monthly meeting in Derry Road in Strabane.

It follows an earlier approval by An Bord Pleanala for the development on the Lifford side which means all planning consents are now in place for the project.

Included in the Tyrone side of the development is a new open area of space, site access, amenity lighting and a bridge to the western section of the park at Lifford.

The overall project will connect the two currently separated lands either side of the border with a new pedestrian and cycle bridge and a community parkland which aims to promote walking and cycling routes, bringing the two communities together and encouraging greater levels of positive cross community contact.

A significant application for funding is pending a decision for SEUPB under their Peace Plus Programme with an anticipated outcome later this Spring.

Chair of Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Sean Mooney, welcomed the approval.

“This is positive news for the people of Strabane and Lifford that this key element of the ambitious Riverine project has received full planning permission,” he said.

“The long awaited Riverine Community Park Project aims to regenerate this border riverside area to create a cross-border community park straddling the River Foyle and deliver much needed parkland space in the area.

“The completed project will be a shared space to bring communities together from both sides of the border, to re-connect and to form new connections and relationships.”

The plans were proposed by Deputy Mayor and Sperrin SDLP Councillor Jason Barr he said, “The Riverine Project has strong support in both Strabane and Lifford and I was proud to propose we approve the application.”

“I’m pleased it got unanimous support at the Committee. This application will strengthen the link between Strabane and Lifford, create a new footbridge and new accessible open space.”