News

Local Park Plan Offers Hope for Town’s Children

Work on a park spanning international borders is slated to commence in September, following a 10-year delay in its development.

For Chloe McDevitt and Joanne Murray, a simple outing with their children is not as straightforward as it sounds, due to the lack of accessible green spaces in their hometown.

A woman stands close to the camera on a very rainy day. She has brown hair tied back in a ponytail. She is wearing a black puffer coat. The pavement is slick and reflective in the rain behind the woman, backed also by a line of traffic. Behind her is a busy street in strabane, with buildings like a subway and o2 shop in vision. — Chloe said the space would be a good way "to get young people off the streets"

Their town, Strabane, with a population of around 14,000, is one of the largest in County Tyrone, yet it lacks sufficient large parks, forcing parents to consider alternative destinations like Omagh or Letterkenny in County Donegal.

However, a long-awaited development may soon change this, as construction on a multi-million pound park connecting Strabane and Lifford is expected to commence later this year, following the recent allocation of €16.7m (£14.5m) in EU funding.

The Riverine Project, initially proposed in 2012, aims to create a family-friendly area with a pavilion, greenways, and parks, stretching across the River Foyle into the Republic of Ireland.

Chloe McDevitt welcomes the news, citing the presence of a strong online community of mothers in Strabane who actively advocate for more child-friendly activities in the town.

She notes that a proposed skate park in Strabane faced opposition from local residents, with a petition launched in January, highlighting the challenges of introducing new facilities.

Joanne Murray, another local parent, often takes her seven-month-old daughter on trips outside Strabane, visiting places like the Gortin Glens near Omagh or Derry, due to the limited options available in their hometown.

Two semi-abstract steel and bronze statues face eachother at about 18 foot tall, with arms outstretched on a green space. Behind them is a road of traffic, backed by large trees. It is cloudy, interrupted only by a brief glimpse of blue sky in the middle of them. — There is a lack of large green spaces in Strabane

She expresses concern about the lack of resources for children's activities in the area, which can be booked up or require payment, and notes that walking routes in town are often less than ideal.

The bypass, a common spot for locals, is not suitable for a stroll with a baby due to the presence of car fumes, noise, and heavy traffic.

Chloe McDevitt highlights the negative impact of the lack of outdoor facilities on young people, citing instances of anti-social behaviour, such as rubbish being thrown into her garden.

She believes that the Riverine Project could help address these issues by providing a space for young people to engage in positive activities.

Barney Harte, a Sinn Féin councillor and former chair of the Riverine Community Forum, acknowledges the project's tumultuous history, including funding issues and delays, but views the recent launch as a positive development.

The project's history is marked by setbacks, including the withdrawal of funds in 2013 and a failed application for EU funding in 2018, as well as a lapsed planning application in 2023.

Fergus Martin, a resident of Lifford, remains sceptical about the project's prospects, citing a history of unfulfilled promises and a lack of tangible progress.

However, Barney Harte is more optimistic, stating that tenders for the project are set to be issued in April, with work expected to begin in September.

He believes that once construction commences, the community will become more confident in the project's viability.

An illustration of faint colours depicts a skatepark coloured in orange, yellow and grey. In it are young people wearing helmets and riding skateboards. The park is surrounded by lampposts and greenery, in the distance on the left, the tower of a church looms, as well as the top of the Ballycolman footbridge on the right. — A petition was launched in January against plans for a skate park in the town

Donegal County Council has confirmed that detailed design works are progressing well, and the £14.5m in funding allocated by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) through Peaceplus will support the project's development.

At the official launch in January, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons praised the collaborative efforts of both councils, highlighting the joint commitment to bringing the project to fruition.

As the project moves forward, locals like Chloe McDevitt and Joanne Murray await the creation of much-needed green spaces and family-friendly facilities.

The Riverine Project's success could have a significant impact on the community, providing a space for outdoor activities, cultural events, and social interaction.

By addressing the lack of resources and facilities, the project aims to improve the quality of life for residents, particularly young people and families.

The development of the Riverine Project is a significant step towards creating a more vibrant and engaging community in Strabane and Lifford.

With the allocation of €16.7m (£14.5m) in EU funding, the project is poised to become a reality, bringing numerous benefits to the local community.

As the project progresses, it is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, as well as providing a valuable resource for residents.

Councillor Barney Harte says the project launch should be viewed as "a positive step forward"

The Riverine Project's journey has been marked by challenges and setbacks, but the recent launch and allocation of funding have renewed hopes for its successful completion.

The project's history serves as a reminder of the complexities and obstacles that can arise during the development process.

Despite these challenges, the Riverine Project remains a vital initiative for the community, and its successful completion could have a lasting impact on the region.

Fergus Martin's scepticism is understandable, given the project's history, but the recent developments and allocation of funding may help to alleviate concerns.

A man stands close infront of a green hedge. He has short brown hair, with the beginnings of a 5 o'clock shadow. He is wearing black glasses with large lenses, and a white hoodie with a round graphic on the left of his chest. — Fergus Martin is unsure given the decade long wait

The project's success will depend on the collaboration and commitment of all parties involved, including the local councils and community groups.

As the project moves forward, it is essential to address the concerns and expectations of the local community, ensuring that the final product meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.

The Riverine Project has the potential to become a flagship development for the region, showcasing the benefits of collaborative planning and community engagement.

With the issuance of tenders in April and the commencement of work in September, the project is poised to become a reality, bringing numerous benefits to the local community.

A PDF design showing a birds eye view of the border between Strabane and Lifford, both split by the River Foyle. The community park spaces are coloured green, showing details of where buildings, wet lands, and even trees are located. A legend is featured on the right, and below the many partners involved with the project are listed. — The park is located close to the Derry Road in Strabane (right) and crosses over the Foyle behind the council offices in Lifford (left)

The Riverine Project's success will be measured by its ability to provide a high-quality, sustainable, and accessible space for the community, addressing the current lack of resources and facilities.

The project's development is a testament to the power of community engagement and collaborative planning, demonstrating the potential for positive change through collective effort.

The allocation of £14.5m in funding from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) through Peaceplus is a significant investment in the local community, recognizing the project's potential to drive positive change.

As the project moves forward, it is essential to maintain a focus on community needs, ensuring that the final product is tailored to the requirements and expectations of the local population.

Up Next

Woman shares experience of being sacked after endometriosis surgery

Don't Miss

Pakistan mosque explosion scene reported on

News

Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event

The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.

A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

An in game screenshot of a video game version of Keanu Reeves as the character John Wick. He is wearing a suit and looking at the camera.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.

A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.

The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.

The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.

Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.

Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.

According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.

The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.

Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.

The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.

Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.

Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.

During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

An in-game screenshot of Silent Hill Townfall. We see the back of a man who is looking at a sign that says "Welcome to St. Amelia". — Konami's trailer for Silent Hill Townfall revealed it is set in St Amelia, a "fictional island inspired by Scotland"

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.

The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.

A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.

Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.

To stay up-to-date on the latest tech news and trends, sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter; international readers can subscribe via an alternative link.

A green promotional banner with black squares and rectangles forming pixels, moving in from the right. The text says: “Tech Decoded: The world’s biggest tech news in your inbox every Monday.”

News

Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire

Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.

Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.

The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.

According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.

Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.

With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.

The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.

An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.

A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.

Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.

Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.

News

Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.