Mayor Cllr Helen Quigley this week launched a new cross-border cycle route in the North West. The Inis Eoghain Cycleway is a 55km loop connecting the River Foyle in Derry to Lough Swilly in Co Donegal.
The project has been funded by a number of agencies, including Derry City Council, Donegal County Council, DRD Roads Service, DSD Northwest Development Office, Sustrans, EHS and by the European Union through the Interreg IIIA Programme.
The project was launched during a ceremony at the Guildhall on Wednesday 10 January at 12.30pm.
More than one third of the route is traffic free. It passes along the Foyle Valley Greenway close to the heart of Derry City and under the Foyle Bridge, before leading through Ballyarnett Country Park and Bay Road Park.
At the city limits, the route climbs to An Grianan Aileach with magnificent views over Lough Swilly, Inch Island, the Inis Eoghain peninsula and south towards the Sperrin Mountains. The new cycle route then winds along quiet roads beside Lough Swilly and into the village of Newtowncunningham.
From there, the route passes through Carrigans, returning to Derry along the traffic-free Foyle Valley Greenway.
Donegal Mayor Cllr Enda Bonnar highlighted the cross-border aspect of the project.
“This is proof of the benefits that can be gained by working together. There are no borders when it comes to enjoying the beauty of the North West and it is great that Derry City Council and Donegal County Council have worked so closely to bring this project to fruition.”
Mayor of Derry Helen Quigley said the new cycle route would showcase the beauty of the Northwest region.
“This is much more that launching a circular route. It is also about launching a Northwest product.
“The development of cycling and walking infrastructure as a product supports the potential for eco-tourism in the North West. Locally, its supports the health and well-being of our citizens and visitors to our city.”
Steven Patterson, Sustrans Ireland Manager, said: "This new 55km,
cross-border route is set to become a much-loved leisure trail. We hope it will increase tourism activity in the area and offer local people a chance to enjoy the surrounding countryside in an active and environmentally-friendly way."
Cllr Marian McDonald of the Interreg IIIA Partnership for the NW Region said the project was a perfect example of how the Interreg Programme was delivering on cross border co-operation and congratulated the group on the completion of this phase of the project.
Note to Editors:
The total investment secured for this initiative is circa €780,000, of which significant grant aid has been secured from INTERREG under the administration of the North West Region Cross Border Group.
The project is supported by Donegal County Council, Derry City Council Inisowen Rural Development Limited, Roads Service, Department of Social Development, Environment & Heritage Service and the International Fund for Ireland.