Minister Margaret Ritchie has officially opened the Fort George foot and cycle path (400 metres long and 4 metres wide) and walkers and cyclists can now continue their journey past Sainsburys, through Fort George leading to Bay Park. Launching the path Minister Ritchie said: “I am pleased to open this extension to the existing riverside walkway which I know is already one of the best used and most attractive amenities in Derry city centre. The continuation of this attractive, people-friendly pathway will encourage activity throughout the day and evening for walkers and cyclists of all ages”.
Brenda Fraser, Ilex’s Director of Development said: “The Fort George foot and cycle path is a valuable extension to the existing riverside route and means that everyone - for the first time in living memory - can access the site for leisure. Fort George boasts the only World War II jetty in Northern Ireland and work is under way to ensure that in the near future we will be able to give even greater access on to the river by opening up the jetty to the public”.
Next steps
The foot & cycle path will be extended onto the World War II jetty over the coming year and work will include repairs to the structure, re-surfacing and the fitting of safety railings. Additional street lighting will also be installed along the extended pathway. The coming months will also see the dredging of the Pennyburn inlet and repairs to the quay wall.
For further information on Fort George contact laurence.mccullagh@ilex-urc.com
PHOTO; Young Michael McLaughlin leads the way as Minister Margaret Ritchie tries out the Fort George foot and cycle path with (from left) Xavier Jeanne, Derry City Council; Brenda Fraser, Ilex; and Ross McGill, Sustrans