Work has begun on the construction of the long-awaited Strathfoyle Greenway in Derry.
The Greenway will run from the end of the Waterside Greenway at Foyle Bridge to Stradowen Drive in Strathfoyle, a distance of 2.7km.
It will be set within a green corridor of meadows, hedges and woodlands, and will have spectacular views of the River Foyle and the city.
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Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, said he was delighted to see this major project finally reaching the construction stage.
"Strathfoyle Greenway is a key part of our Greenway network, linking rural and urban communities.
"It will be a demonstration of how this kind of infrastructure can be built with people, biodiversity and climate change at its heart. I look forward to using the Greenway when it opens this summer!"
The Department for Infrastructure has already committed £226,500 funding towards preliminary works on the Strathfoyle Greenway and is now providing 50% of the £2.64m cost of the Greenway through its Blue-Green Infrastructure fund.
Meanwhile, the Department for Communities, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Derry and Strabane District Council contributing equally to the remaining 50%.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said the greenway would enable active travel opportunities right into Derry city centre.
She added: "It's great to be here today to see construction work starting on this important project which has been 50% funded by my Department.
"When finished, this greenway route will connect people to the popular Waterside Greenway, enabling active travel opportunities right into Derry city centre.
"Greenways and similar walking and cycling paths will hopefully inspire people to change the way they travel and will leave an enduring legacy to be enjoyed by future generations."
"I look forward to the opening of the Strathfoyle Greenway later this year."
The new path will form part of the Derry, Coleraine, Limavady cycle route proposed in the Department's greenway plan.
Speaking on behalf of the Strathfoyle Greenway Community Steering Group, Gus Hastings said: "The whole community has been behind this project for many years, and it is great to see the hard work of so many organisations coming to fruition."
The local council is launching a new webpage to keep the community informed about the progress of the project. You can view the page HERE.
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