Stormont injection unlocks £1.44m greenway upgrades for Derry
Bay Road Park, Drumahoe, and the Foyle Valley Greenway set for infrastructure upgrades under a joint government funding package
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, joined the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, contractors and project officers in Derry on Thursday to mark the launch of the construction phase of three new greenway lighting projects.
The projects have received £0.7m in funding from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to support the installation of lighting along Bay Road Park and Boomhall, Drumahoe District Park and the urban section of the Foyle Valley Greenway, with match funding provided by Derry City and Strabane District Council, bringing the total investment to £1.44 million.
The projects are part of a wider £1.05 million investment by DfI under the 2025-26 Greenway Capital Grant Funding Round to support the design, development and delivery of seven greenway projects across Derry and Strabane, Belfast, and Newry, Mourne and Down. The funding will support councils in delivering on their priorities for active travel assisting in the development of cleaner and greener connections.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said today’s events represent an important milestone for the City and District.
“These sod cutting events mark an exciting step forward in enhancing our greenway network and making active travel more accessible for our communities. By investing in improved lighting along key routes, we are creating safer, more welcoming spaces for residents and visitors to walk, wheel and cycle all year round.
“This funding will help us build on our commitment to sustainability, connectivity and wellbeing, ensuring our greenways can be enjoyed by everyone. We look forward to seeing these projects progress and the positive impact they will have across our council area.”
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “Greenways play an important role in promoting active travel and connecting local communities and I recognise that people want and deserve to feel safe when using them, especially after dark. Appropriate lighting of spaces such as these, where the positive impacts have been carefully balanced against environmental impacts and costs, also help contribute to the Executive’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
“I am therefore delighted that my Department could contribute to these three lighting projects in Derry City and Strabane District Council area and hope more people will be encouraged to consider walking, wheeling and cycling for their shorter everyday journeys.”
Director of Environment and Regeneration at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Karen Phillips, highlighted the practical benefits of the schemes.
“These projects will make a meaningful difference to the everyday experience of those using our greenways. Enhancing lighting infrastructure will improve safety, accessibility and usability, particularly during the darker months, encouraging more people to choose active travel options.
“This investment supports our wider ambition to deliver high-quality, sustainable infrastructure that promotes healthier lifestyles, supports our climate goals, and strengthens connectivity across the district.”
The projects will be delivered over the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years and the investments form part of a broader strategic effort to support greener travel choices, reduce carbon emissions, and improve quality of life for communities across Northern Ireland.