McGuiness Hails Londonderry Peace Bridge

A new bridge linking Derry's divided communities will be a "catalyst for change", Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said.

Mr McGuiness joined First Minister Peter Robinson and the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the official opening of the 235-metre Peace Bridge across the River Foyle.

The launch of the 'Peace Bridge' was celebrated with a weekend of festivities marking the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday.

Speaking at the opening, Mr McGuiness said: “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.”

While it is six months behind the original schedule for completion, the £14m cycle and footbridge remains one of the biggest projects undertaken in the area in years. It is hoped the bridge will be the focus for not only major regeneration of the area, but the symbolic union of what is sometimes a divided city.

Also speaking at the launch, Enda Kenny described the structure as a symbol of "beauty and peace".

"This bridge is a remarkable addition to what is already one of the most beautiful and historic cities in these islands. It is remarkable not just as an example of beautiful design, but as a powerful symbol of movement away from a troubled past, towards a brighter future full of opportunity.

"As this bridge sweeps across the river Foyle it draws not just our eyes but our hearts and our minds and reminds us of the journey of peace that we have all taken together over the last number of years."

Mr Kenny added that the events in the Short Strand area of Belfast last week, and the "despicable" murder of Ronan Kerr in Omagh, showed that we can "never afford to take that peace for granted".

(DW/KMcA)