Press Release

Down by the River
Connect 2 needs you!

06 December 2007

World class cities such as Glasgow, Dublin and Liverpool have all witnessed significant regeneration over the past decade and have embraced opportunities of opening up waterfronts creating new access, pathways, lifestyle and activities that build upon the potential of these natural assets.

The city is on a similar path with the potential of creating a new walkway and cycle path alongside riverside areas of St Columb’s Park and Ebrington. The pathway will link to a proposed new foot and cycle bridge over the River Foyle creating a linear route and path alongside both banks of the River Foyle.

The project known as Derry˜Londonderry connecting people2place is one of the projects that will benefit if Sustrans’ Connect 2 Bid wins the public vote for the people’s £50 million lottery prize! A partnership project between Derry City Council, Ilex and Sustrans is aims to improve everyday journeys and access to previously under-utilised areas of the River Foyle.

Sustrans Connect 2 is the only UK- wide project, which aims to revitalise walkways and cycle paths and connect people to each other and their local environment throughout 79 regions.

John Kelpie, City Engineer at Derry City Council says “the people of Derry have always been vocal about the need for the river and waterfront to be made more accessible and the fact that this natural asset is so under-utilised. The daily use of the West Bank by every generation in the city has further highlighted the potential for a similar pathway on the East Bank of the river linking directly Gransha Lakes, St Columb’s Park and Ebrington.”

He continues, “ It’s essential that everyone supports this initiative by voting for Connect 2. This will enhance all our lives but it will take all our votes to make it happen.”

Organisations like the Loughs Agency are also keen to advance the development potential of the Foyle. John Pollock, Director of Corporate Services says, “The Loughs Agency aims to provide social, economic and environmental benefits for the Foyle and Carlingford regions through the development of fisheries and marine tourism. In furthering these aims, the Agency is keen to promote sustainable recreational use of waterways, such as the River Foyle, by local people and visitors.”

Bill Kirk, Chief Executive, Ilex explains “ When the Connect2 project is complete we will have one of the most picturesque and functional waterfronts in Ireland today The Foyle is an incredibly attractive river and a great asset for the people and this will also be a tremendous asset for making the case for private sector investments here in the city.”

You can vote for Connect2 in two ways. Online voting commences from Monday 26 at 9am and closes at 12 noon, simply log on to www.thepeoples50million.org.uk Vote by telephone from 9.00am on Friday 7th December to 12 noon on Monday 10th December. The telephone voting number will be released on Friday 7th December. Please note that due to competition rules only one vote per telephone number (Business or personal) will be counted.

If you would like to automatically receive the voting number directly to your mobile please text “Connect2” to 80010 now. Alternatively please check the local media for details of the telephone number.

ENDS

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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