A funding announcement is due to be made soon for the Riverine Project in Lifford and Strabane, according to Cllr Gary Doherty.
The Cllr said that approval for the project could be “potentially the best news the towns have had in a generation.”
There are reports that almost €9 million has been granted to the project which will create a new shared public space on both sides of the River Foyle between the towns.
Cllr Doherty said “while we must be careful not to pre-empt any funding announcement by SEUPB, and respecting the procedures and protocol within which any funding body must work within, there are strong indications that we have been successful with the funding application for the Riverine Project.
“The €8.96 million which it is believed has been granted will transform the riverside areas of both towns and it has the potential to kick-start a period of re-generation on both sides of the border. Our communities can now look forward to the development of 30 acres into a shared parkland with walkways, a public events space, pedestrian bridge, river access and a world-class play experience for our children and young people. This is potentially the best news these towns have had in a generation.
“I am absolutely delighted that both Donegal County Council, as Lead Partner working with Derry City and Strabane District Council, working collaboratively over a long number of years have successfully taken this project over the line. I want to pay tribute to all the hard working staff members from both Councils who have put so much effort into this. They put the shoulder to the wheel, especially after we were knocked back last year, and they ensured that we would be successful this time.
“I would also pay tribute to all the elected members in both Donegal and Tyrone who wouldn’t take no for an answer when this project was knocked back on numerous occasions. This project is a testament to their hard work, and is a shining example of what can be achieved when elected representatives work together for the benefit of our communities. In particular, I would like to thank my colleague Pat Doherty, who as MP for West Tyrone was instrumental in ensuring Riverine stayed at the top of the agenda for both Councils.
“Finally, this project is a massive endorsement of the hard work and commitment of community groups in the wider Lifford and Strabane areas. They actively engaged with both Councils to ensure that the evidence was there to show that this new facility would be used by the community to foster enhanced links and relationships across the border.”