A NEW EU-funded cross-border greenway connecting people and communities across the North West was officially opened today.
The €23.8m North West Greenway Network was supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), Donegal County Council (DCC) and Sustrans NI.
Further funding was also provided by both Councils, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.
The overall project has successfully delivered a network of 46.5km of greenway infrastructure, walking and cycling routes, linking communities spanning the North West border area.
The two new routes link Strathfoyle to Quigleys Point via Muff, and Culmore and Castlefinn to Strabane via Lifford.
The network has already attracted thousands of local users, providing an environmentally friendly travel option for commuters as well as facilitating active travel, physical activity and encouraging sustainable transport and decarbonisation. The new routes also provide improved safety for walkers, runners and cyclists.
Speaking at today’s celebration event, which was attended by project partners and representatives from both sides of the border, Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd said:
“This project is a shining example of partnership and cross border work and I am delighted that my Department was able to provide funding towards it.
“The Greenway is already producing tangible benefits in the North West by linking communities and encouraging more people to consider the option of active travel as an alternative to the private car for short journeys.
“This is a modal shift I want to see continue. Active travel has the potential to increase physical activity and improve mental wellbeing.
“It can also help to tackle air pollution and, along with public transport, will help to decarbonise our transport system.”
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, said: “The opening of the North West Greenway Network represents an exciting development for the North West Region.
“This cross-border Greenway project has received significant financial support through the INTERREG VA programme with the Department of Transport providing approximately €3 million in 2024 to support this project.
“This project is an exemplar initiative of cross-border collaboration, with Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council working together to realise 46.5km of segregated cycle lanes.
This project has resulted in two separate Greenway routes connecting Derry to County Donegal.
These routes will encourage greater levels of cycling and walking, rather than private car use, among leisure users, tourists, and commuters.
In addition, this project will help to ensure coherent cycling infrastructure for individuals travelling between the two jurisdictions.
This investment by the Department of Transport to date signals the Government’s commitment to providing high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists and communities across Ireland”.
Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive, said: “The official opening of the North West Greenway Network marks a transformative step towards a more connected, sustainable future for the region.
“This project not only strengthens cross-border cooperation but also promotes cleaner and greener travel, healthier lifestyles and enhances environmental stewardship.
“This project exemplifies the commitment of SEUPB and our partners to building a shared, sustainable future for all communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties.
“I would like to congratulate all those involved in the management, design and build, who have produced this amazing new North West Greenway, an ambitious concept carried through in outstanding delivery.”
Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Darren Guy, said: “I am delighted to join with project partners and funders today to mark the successful completion of the North West Greenway.
“We are already seeing the benefits of the new routes which have opened up new areas to both pedestrians and cyclists and brought our cross-border communities closer together.
“Here in the North West we are blessed with beautiful green spaces and the network makes these areas more accessible, connecting both urban and rural areas so they can be reached within minutes.
“This is now a practical travel route for commuters, as well as a popular pathway for fitness and leisure.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our team in delivering this major strategic project, and also the support of all our partners in recognising and supporting the vision we had for the North West area.”
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