Robinson and McGuinness Welcome Opening of ‘Peace Bridge’

Robinson and McGuinness welcome opening of ‘Peace Bridge’

First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Peter D. Robinson, MLA, the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA, and the Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, MLA, recently attended the opening of the new Foot and Cycle Bridge over the River Foyle in Derry.

The ‘Peace Bridge’ was officially opened by EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, with Taoiseach Enda Kenny also in attendance.

Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the bridge runs from behind the Guildhall Square on to the Parade Ground in the former Ebrington Barracks, creating an important new link from the Waterside to the city side.

Speaking at the event, First Minister Robinson said: “The Peace Bridge is the most significant piece of infrastructure to be built in the city since the Foyle Bridge, and is an important achievement in the city’s regeneration programme. In these challenging economic times for us all, and in particular our local construction industry, it is encouraging to note that this Bridge was built by a local building company.

“The Bridge extends the reach of the Waterside into the city centre, encouraging the creation of a larger city - a shared city, a welcoming city, a city that is moving forward with a very real sense of pride, an abundance of talent and a lot of confidence and hope for the future. The Peace Bridge has a significant role to play as one of our most valuable cultural assets, promising to draw tourists in huge numbers that will guarantee economic benefits.”

Martin McGuinness also spoke at the ceremony, saying: “This bridge will be a catalyst for change that will help transform the city and the local community. While the bridge alone will not solve all our problems, it gives us a real opportunity for change. Change cannot happen without the full support of us all. So it is up to you, me, my colleagues in the Executive and the Assembly to continue to work positively together to build upon the good work that has already been done -recognising that differences still exist, but respecting those differences.

“The opening of this bridge is another example of how this city is moving forward. Later tonight, for example, Ireland’s largest public artwork, ‘Mute Meadow’, will be switched on, and together with the ‘Peace Bridge’, they will serve as a focal point in the build up to, during and after the City of Culture celebrations.”

Also speaking at the event, the Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland added: “This bridge is a powerful symbol for Londonderry. Over time it will become an iconic representation that will define this city. Physically and metaphorically it links what now are two communities, and we hope will encourage greater levels of positive engagement between them. It represents our aspirations to work towards a shared and welcoming city that everyone in the community enjoys and can feel welcome in.

“This is an important day and my hope is that the Peace Bridge will make a significant contribution in Londonderry towards a truly shared city, benefiting all its citizens.”