Announcement of half the funding for a local greenway is another major step towards achieving huge benefits for the community here, Alliance Councillor Rachael Ferguson has said.

Councillor Ferguson was speaking after a multi-million-pound funding package was announced to develop a number of greenway projects across Northern Ireland. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon unveiled the £2.8 million, which will provide 50 per cent of the costs for each scheme.

One included is Strathfoyle Greenway. In June, Derry City and Strabane District Council gave backing to a motion from Councillor Ferguson calling for Executive Departments to work together to progress the scheme.

“This greenway has been long in the making, with planning permission first granted in 2012. It has been a priority for the local community since then, especially as we have seen greenways successfully constructed in other areas,” she said.

“Today’s news is welcome, with half the money for the scheme now being another major step towards achieving those same benefits for the community here. I will be working now alongside others to help secure the other half of the funding and help realise our own greenway.

“It will help improve the health and well-being of all who use it, as well as providing an option for active travel and an important connection for rural communities. I am hopeful it will not be too long before we can experience that with the Strathfoyle Greenway.”