What will the Peace Bridge bring to our city?’

Young Daniel Kane of Lisnagelvin Primary School last Friday took part in a public speaking competition and his chosen topic was the bridge itself. Here is what he said:

TOMORROW June 25 marks an historic day for our city as it is the day the new peace bridge opens to the public. On a personal level I’m really excited as I as I will be joining a choir of 600 children on the bridge to sing during the opening ceremony.

The new 14 million pound Peace Bridge built by ILEX will provide a third crossing over the River Foyle connecting the Waterside and the Cityside. It is just for pedestrians and cyclists so as well as a Peace Bridge I think it will also be a ‘peaceful’ bridge as it it will be a way we can cross the river quietly without the noisy, dangerous cars and lorries that are on the other two bridges.

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The Peace Bridge will be a major tourist attraction transforming the appearance of our city and providing new views of the city and beyond. No doubt photographers from near and far will be snapping it from every angle!

It will look spectacular when illuminated at night and will be a great viewpoint for the fireworks display at Halloween. It will also be a great opportunity for artists to paint beautiful paintings of the bridge and and the views from it. Perhaps for art lessons Lisnagelvin pupils could get out into the fresh air and paint a picture of the bridge instead of painting in our classroom-or is that a ‘bridge too far?’

A new tradition in the city is to walk, jog or cycle the two bridges and now we will have the choice of doing the long two bridges or the two short bridges or you could even do all three bridges in a figure of eight if you are really fit. So teachers-you better get into training!! Perhaps we should all get some exercise and do this for our sponsored walk in September.

As a 10-year-old boy I have been told that city used to be separated by more than just a river. It was separated by culture, religion and tradition with people on one side of the river often feeling unsure and uneasy with those from the other side. I am glad things have changed and I hope things have changed and I hope the new bridge will act as a sign that we all have to share in all of our wonderful city and everyone should feel free to visit the shops, beautiful parks and open spaces on both sides of the river. The bridge’s two suspended curved structures meeting above the river form a giant handshake, symbolising the coming together of our two communities. The peace bridge is truly a ‘bridge over troubled waters’.

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Therefore I think the Peace Bridge is going to add to the beauty of our city and bring a happy, healthy and peaceful future for us all.

And to all of you who think the Peace Bridge is not a good idea-don’t worry, you’ll get over it!

Contributed by Daniel Kane

Lisnagelvin Primary School