Doherty: 'Riverine funding announcement a huge boost for Lifford-Strabane'

The 30-acre project will see the development of a parkland facility that will include a pavilion building to facilitate cultural activities, an adventure play area for young families and a footbridge linking the towns Strabane and Lifford

Pearse Doherty has described the announcement funding is being granted to deliver the long-awaited cross-border Riverine Park Project between Lifford and Strabane as a huge boost.

The Special EU Programmes Body confirmed €16.7m of Peace Plus funding is being granted. The 30-acre project will see the development of a parkland facility that will include a pavilion building to facilitate cultural activities, an adventure play area for young families and a footbridge linking the towns Strabane and Lifford.

Donegal Deputy and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Doherty said: "It is very welcome news that €16.7 million of EU funding has been awarded to the long-awaited Riverine Park project between Lifford and Strabane. It will be transformative for the area and will be a great amenity.

“The project has been beset by setbacks along the way including the loss of €12 million SEUPB PEACE IV funding due to delays in processing the planning application within An Bord Pleanála. However, Sinn Féin on both sides of the border never gave up on the project and continued our efforts to get Riverine back on track.

"We met with SEUPB CEO Gina McIntyre and with the Chief Executives of Donegal and Derry and Strabane councils to reinforce the importance of delivering this project for the area.

"We also met with Younous Omarjee MEP, Chair of the EUs Regional Development Committee. He pledged to raise the issue with the EU Commissioner in the hope of getting an extension on the funding deadline to allow for the completion of the original plan for the new park.

“An Bord Pleanála finally granted planning permission last February and a fresh funding application for the project was submitted by both councils in September last year. I wish to commend the officials from both councils who worked in conjunction with the SEUPB and other relevant agencies to get this over the line. I would also pay tribute to the fantastic work of the stakeholder group and all who contributed to making today’s decision happen. It's been a long road but this is a great day for Lifford and Strabane."