THE long-awaited new multi-modal transport hub for Derry is being kept financially on track with a boost of €23.5 million (£20.5 million) from the European Union's Interreg VA programme.
The funds were announced by the Special EU Programmes Body and will be used for the creation of an "iconic" transport hub for the north west, to include new train terminus, bus stands, 'park and ride' facility, passenger waiting area, retail units and community space.
Designed to improve connectivity in the north west through the development of co-ordinated bus and rail services between Derry and Ballybofey, Carnonagh, Greencastle and Letterkenny, the project will also benefit private services operating between Derry and Cockhill, Greencastle, Moville and Galway.
It will also support 'active' cross-border travel through the provision of bicycle parking, bicycle hire and repair services, lockers and changing facilities for cyclists, as well as a new greenway link to connect the new 'hub' to the existing Urban Greenway Network.
Central to the work is the refurbishment of the existing Waterside station in Derry which was purchased by Translink after being identified as the preferred site for a £26m transport hub following a public consultation carried out over three years ago.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is the lead partner for the delivery of the project, alongside a number of other project partners, including Translink, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sustrans, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Donegal County Council.
A further €8,743,160 (£//£7,409,457) will be invested by the Department of Infrastructure in the north which is providing match-funding for the project with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in the Republic.
Permanent Secretary at the DfI, Peter May, said: "Increasing the use of public transport and encouraging people to consider active travel options are draft Programme for Government objectives.
"To achieve this, we need to have the right infrastructure in place, so I welcome the allocation of EU co-financing for this ambitious project which will consist of new train terminus accommodation, an enhanced park and ride scheme and additional facilities to promote sustainable and active travel options in the region."
The project builds upon the recently completed Derry-to-Coleraine rail improvement project – a £48million investment – which also attracted EU funding and has allowed for the introduction of an hourly train service between Belfast and Derry.
