New riverfront cycleand pedestrian pathopens this weekend

The final section from St Columbs Park to the Foyle Bridge opening to the public this Saturday.

The city’s newest cycling and walking path offers a fully accessible route from the Peace Bridge to the Foyle Bridge, supporting Derry City Council’s Access Plan’s vision for a riverside Greenway network on both sides of the Foyle.

Mayor Martin Reilly said: “The completion of the Waterside Greenway is a much welcomed addition to the cities expanding network of greenways and will make a huge difference in how people travel around the city.

“We have already seen the positive impact that the Peace Bridge has made on commuter journeys. More and more people are leaving their cars in favour of walking or cycling.

“As part of Councils Parks Development Programme significant external investment was secured from Sustrans (through the Big Lottery), DRD, DSD and NIEA, making a positive impact to our citizen’s everyday journeys offering the opportunity to lead healthier lifestyles and reduce the carbon footprint.”

He said the opening of the Waterside Greenway will also benefit leisure users offering some of the best views of the River Foyle.

“This pathway provides a traffic free green corridor along the east bank of the Foyle for the whole family to enjoy, as well as an area for tourists to explore the city on foot.”

The £2m Waterside Greenway investment was made possible by Sustrans through the Big Lottery Fund, Derry City Council, DRD Travel Wise, DSD and NIEA, as part of the council’s Parks Development Programme.

The first sod was cut on the new Waterside Greenway over two years ago. At the time Mayor Maurice Devenney said it would provide a new safe and direct traffic-free route into town for people along the Eastbank of the River Foyle.

He said: “The new Greenway will make a real and positive difference to how people will make their everyday journeys across the city and help take us one step closer towards a traffic-free greenway on both sides of the Foyle.”

Now it’s happened.