NEWS that Derry has been included in a series of green infrastructure projects to support innovative ways of travelling that were announced by the Minister for Infrastructure today, has been welcomed by the Mayor.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Michaela Boyle said she is delighted the Department intends to increase the space available for walking and cycling along the city’s riverfront area, and to plan for businesses reopening within the City Walls by reducing traffic and creating more public space.
Describing it as a very positive step in helping to support the recovery process and in supporting the public who have begun to change how they travel, she said:
“The Council is very supportive of the work being proposed by the Department for Infrastructure to introduce creative and innovative ways to promote active and safe modes of travel.
“I welcome the proposal to create extra space for the many people in Derry who walk and cycle along the riverfront regularly.
“We hope that it will provide them with more safe space and improve their experience as I know that significant numbers of residents have begun to walk and cycle more at this difficult time.
“We also support the Department’s desire to put measures into place within the Walled City to reduce traffic and to improve conditions for pedestrians.
“We believe that this will provide assurance to the public and will assist our businesses in planning for social distancing as they prepare to open again in the coming weeks and months.
“We will also consider how these initial innovative pilot schemes can be extended to Strabane and other Towns and Villages in the District over time,“ she added.
The Council will work in partnership with the Department in the coming weeks to engage with businesses and the public to ensure that the plans that are developed reflect the needs of all our local stakeholders.
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