The completion of a £27 million North-West Transport Hub in Derry has been welcomed.
The £27m investment was planned and delivered by Translink, with funding from the EU, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department of Transport in the south and support from Derry City and Strabane District Council.
As well as enhanced passenger facilities, a new park and ride facility with 100 spaces, including disabled spaces and e-charging points is now in operation. A new bus turning area makes it easier to drop off and pick up passengers, while those that prefer to walk or cycle can use the new Greenway path linking the Hub to Foyle Street Bus Station and the city centre via the Peace Bridge, reports the Derry Journal.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: “I have been clear that my priority is addressing regional imbalance and better connecting communities and I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure. I want to see an increase in the use of public transport and encourage more people to consider active travel options. To do that successfully we need to invest in the right infrastructure and facilities – the North West Hub is an excellent example of that.”
The Minister of Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, said: “Although we are currently asking people to restrict their movements to tackle Covid-19, we must continue to develop our transport system in a sustainable way. When circumstances allow, this integrated transport hub will play an important role in facilitating cross-border connectivity through improved public transport.”https://c0feec5c6a3ba1835c29fc79b9224dd8.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said the major project represents a “significant milestone in the future of both Derry~Londonderry and public transport,” while Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of SEUPB, said: “This cross-border, multi-modal transport initiative is one of the largest projects supported under the sustainable transport objective of the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme and has a huge level of significance for us, because of the contribution it will make in climate protection and the well-being of our citizens.”
The Hub was hailed as an “excellent example of a successful joint partnership approach to supporting business, leisure and tourism,” by Mayor Brian Tierney, while SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said: “This project is a big boost for the North West, connecting communities and opportunities for the North West. Derry is delighted to see our Minister work in partnership with our Mayor, the Irish Government and the EU to see delivery for people across our city and beyond.”
