Biking receives half a million

Yesterday, Omagh District Council and Sustrans signed papers pledging £500,000 towards a new cycle route in Omagh, Northern Ireland.

The funding comes from the £50 million prize cash won last year by Sustrans’ Connect2 from the Big Lottery Fund. A TV vote saw the huge amount dedicated to create networks for cyclists and pedestrians on everyday journeys in 79 communities across the UK.

Yesterday’s agreement committed both Sustrans and the Omagh District Council to the development of a riverside path through the Lisanelly/St Lucia site, including several pedestrian and cycle bridges over the river that will connect places of work, shops and schools.

The project is expected to eventually cost £2.5 million, with the rest of the funds coming from sources other than the lottery fund.