|
|
Derry to get €14.5m 'Peace Bridge'
09.04.09
|
PLANS for a new 'Peace
Bridge' in Derry for pedestrians and cyclists were
unveiled this week. The footbridge will run from the
former Ebrington Barracks site on the Waterside to
Guildhall Square on the Cityside. |
The footbridge will
cost £13.3 million (€14.5 million) and will be 235m
long and 4m wide.
Work on the S-shaped structure is expected to start
in September with a completion date of October 2010.
Graham of Co Down, one of Northern Ireland’s largest
engineering contractors, has been |
 |
|
awarded the design and
construction contract. Funding for the 'Peace
Bridge' has been provided by the European Peace III
Programme while the Irish and British Governments
will also contribute. The North’s Deputy First
Minister Martin McGuinness said the new bridge would
"unite the city physically, symbolically and
emotionally". |
 |
He said it would be a
"powerful and lasting symbol of the moment a divided
people started to reach out to each other".
Meanwhile, Derry Mayor Councillor Gerard Diver said
the bridge would make a significant and positive
contribution to the lives of people on both sides of
the river.
"The 'Peace Bridge' and associated greenway network
will promote opportunities for exchange between our
communities through enhanced freedom of movement
across and along the Foyle. |
|
"I would like to
congratulate everyone involved in securing this
major investment for our city and I believe that it
will become a treasured landmark for future
generations to enjoy," said Cllr Diver. |
|
