TD expresses concerns for the future of the Lifford-Strabane Riverine project
“The project, costing nearly €12 million, would have seen 30 acres of park space connected across the river by a foot and cycle bridge”
A project in Lifford that has already been awarded €12 million in funding looks like it might not now go ahead.
Donegal TD and Sinn Féín spokesperson on Finance, Deputy Pearse Doherty, has spoken today about the news that the Riverine Park Project will not be completed by the December 31 deadline and therefore EU funding will be lost.
“It is unforgivable that this project will now not be completed within the timeframe necessary due to delays in decisions at multiple Irish state agencies. This is despite the fact that the project was awarded almost €12 million in EU funding.
“Blame must be directed at both An Bord Pleanála and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
“Planning permission cannot be provided in time by An Bord Pleanála due to a backlog of cases. This is the result of a number of board members resigning because of a series of scandals.
“There are also delays in issuing a foreshore license. This is a license awarded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
“Earlier this year, we raised concerns that this project was at serious risk and now our fears have been confirmed by the lead council, Donegal County Council.”
“He added the people of Lifford and Strabane will suffer as a result.
“This is doubly unforgivable given as the project was sold as a way of addressing the impact of the conflict and a history of the region being left behind and forgotten about.
“The project, costing nearly €12 million, would have seen 30 acres of park space connected across the river by a foot and cycle bridge.
“We’ve met with both councils involved and a further meeting is planned for next week with the SEUPB EU funding body where we will also reinforce the importance of this project to this area.
Deputy Doherty added he will be raising these issues with the government and will ask if the government can press the EU Commission for the deadline to be extended.
“However, all indications are that an application will need to be made again for the new round of EU funding; a development that will rightly leave the people of Lifford and Strabane furious.
“Too much hard work, time and effort have already been invested in this project for us to lose it now. Sinn Féin will do everything we can to see this project completed.”