{"id":7994,"date":"2019-06-14T10:57:17","date_gmt":"2019-06-14T14:57:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=7994"},"modified":"2019-06-16T10:59:45","modified_gmt":"2019-06-16T14:59:45","slug":"new-cross-border-park-project-secures-almost-e9m-of-european-union-funding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=7994","title":{"rendered":"New Cross-Border Park Project Secures Almost \u20ac9m of European Union Funding"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"A new cross-border park project has secured European Union funding of almost \u20ac9m.<\/p>\n

The proposed shared space project Riverine will stretch from Strabane, Co Tyrone, to neighboring Lifford in Co Donegal.<\/p>\n

It will create a 30-acre community park space and infrastructure designed to bring people together.<\/p>\n

Some \u20ac8.96m (\u00a37.9m) of EU PEACE IV funding has been offered for the project.<\/p>\n

It will include a pavilion building, outdoor wetland and park space, cross-border pathways and greenways and a newly-constructed pedestrian footbridge that will symbolically connect the space across the River Foyle.<\/p>\n

Match funding for the project has been provided by the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in the Republic of Ireland.<\/p>\n

Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programs Body (SEUPB), which manages the PEACE IV Program, welcomed the funding decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy creating a shared space which citizens can enjoy together, irrespective of their background, the project will help them to gain a better understanding of what life is like for someone of a different religion or culture, and in so doing will help to create a more cohesive society,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"\"
A plan for the proposed cross-border park between Strabane and Lifford (SEUPB\/PA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>Nicholas Crossan, leader of Donegal County Council, said the project has the potential to create a \u201cunique and transformational cross-border shared space\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mr Crossan added it will \u201cact as a symbol of peace and reconciliation for generations to come\u201d.<\/p>\n

Derry City and Strabane District Council\u2019s Mayor Michaela Boyle said Riverine is a \u201creal catalyst for transformation\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis multi-million pound, cross-border project will see the development of an iconic and regionally significant, shared space parkland facility that will bridge the east and west banks of the River Foyle between the towns of Strabane and Lifford,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot only will it provide us much-needed community facilities and shared green space, but it will further strengthen our existing close cross-border links and enhance the relationship between the two towns and their hinterlands.\u201d<\/p>\n

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