New 2.1m euro project launch

The official launch of the River Links Project took place in Doneyloop Community Centre on Friday.

Valued at 2.1m euro River Links is a cross border project and is led by Donegal County Council.

The focus of the River Links Project is on the Finn Valley in Eastern County Donegal and neighbouring areas in the Strabane District Council catchment including the Finn and Artigarvan Wards.

The project includes the development of the Community Enterprise Centre in Stranorlar.

In addition, environmental improvements to Clady Bridge, Clady Village and establishment of a pedestrian footpath linking Clady and Doneyloop are also included.

Another output is the development of the Foyle Wetlands which will open up access to the Strabane Canal for walkers and canoeists.

The final output is the creation of the Foyle & Finn Rural Network which will seek to engage community groups from throughout the project’s catchment area to focus on developing their communities and working in partnership.

Irish Minister of State Dinny McGinley TD, praised the work of the three project partners in developing the River Links Project and wished them well during the implementation phase.

Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA. said: “I welcome this project and that my Department is helping to fund the transformation of River Links from an idea into reality.

“This project is an excellent example of practical rural development in action – it combines many of the key themes that are essential to revitalise and sustain rural communities.”

The River Links Project is under way and is scheduled for completion by July 2014.