Delays hit plans for new footbridge between Lifford and Strabane

Plans for a new footbridge across the river Foyle between Lifford and Strabane have hit delays.

The bridge forms part of the much-lauded Riverine project, a 30-acre cross-border community park on both sides of the river that is a collaboration between Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Construction work on the Donegal side of the border is due to begin next year. Almost €9m in EU funding has been secured for the project, which as well as the footbridge, is to include a pavilion building for cultural and heritage events, outdoor wetland and park space, an adventure play area and cross-border pathways and greenways.

Donegal County Council has described the project, which has been in the making for over a decade, as having the potential “to positively encourage communities from different religions, cultures and social backgrounds to form positive friendships and get involved in inclusive integration”.

But the Sunday Independent has reported that the plans to build the footbridge have suffered a setback due to a delay in obtaining a foreshore licence in Donegal.

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A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “There have been some unforeseeable project challenges in obtaining some statutory approvals relating to the project, including planning permission, due to operational issues within An Bord Pleanála and in obtaining a foreshore licence from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Dublin which are currently impacting on the timing of the delivery of the bridge element of the project.

“Donegal County Council together with Derry City and Strabane District Council is working with the main project funder SEUPB [The Special EU Programmes Body] and support government departments to discuss these issues and agree an appropriate way forward.”