New Riverside Walkway is already being “well used”

The new ‘Riverside Walkway Scheme’ uses the River Roe to link neighbourhoods through already existing riverside walks and has been funded by the Department of Social Development (DSD) at Stormont.

Providing an update on the scheme, Director of Development at Limavady Borough Council Valerie Richmond said: “Council will recall that funding towards this project was provided by the Department for Social Development under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme. The scheme uses the River Roe to link neighbourhoods through existing riverside walks.

“It also enhances access to the river from the riverbank through construction of canoe steps at Swans Bridge and the A2 fish pass and; access to the riverbank from the town through two new sets of pedestrian steps on the A2 Limavady by-pass and at Catherine Street.

“Other works included first weed killing treatment of invasive species (Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed) and tree clearance to open up access to the river. None of the existing riverside walks have been closed to the public and all are currently open as they were prior to the scheme.

“Much of the work was undertaken by River’s Agency on behalf of Council and was formally handed over to Council in December 2012.

“While a few issues regarding access via the steps at Catherine Street and confirmation from DRD Roads Service over the proposed arrangement (transfer or licence agreement) with Council on a strip of land where the steps and path lead from the by-pass adjacent to the John Hunter Grounds are being finalised and the project is close to completion.

“Whilst the walk has not formally been opened it is accessible from Roemill playing fields and the section from the car park just off the by-pass is being well used. In addition the canoe steps constructed at the fish counter (also known as The Plum) and at Swann’s Bridge have been very well received and are being well used.”