Communities Minister has welcomed the appointment
of Northstone to deliver the construction phase of a major
£2million Environmental Improvement Scheme across the rural towns
of Rathfriland, Gilford and Markethill.
Minister said: “This important
Environmental Improvement scheme represents a significant
investment in the future of Rathfriland, Gilford and Markethill.
This collaborative programme, in partnership with the Department
of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Department for
Infrastructure, and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough
Council provides a great opportunity to strengthen and revitalise
these rural towns.
This £2million investment will transform key public spaces by
improving accessibility, upgrading paving and lighting, and
creating safer and more welcoming shared spaces. These
enhancements will support local businesses and improve the
experience for residents and visitors, helping these towns to
thrive as vibrant and attractive places to live, work and visit.”
Minister for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs said: “I am delighted to
welcome the appointment of a contractor for this scheme under the
Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme. This
investment is a great example of what can be achieved when
government departments work together, along with councils to
invest in our rural communities and make them places where people
want to live, work and prosper.”
Minister for Infrastructure Minister added: “The Small Settlements
Regeneration Programme is a great example of how
inter-departmental can deliver real change for rural communities.
I am delighted that my department was able to contribute to this
programme in Rathfriland, Gilford and Markethill which will bring
tangible benefits and increase opportunities for outdoor activity
and active travel. I hope these improvements to the local
environment will encourage more people to consider active travel
for their shorter everyday journeys. ”
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough
Council, Councillor Jessica Johnston, said: “This investment
represents an important step in enhancing our rural towns.
Beginning works in Rathfriland this spring marks the delivery
phase of a scheme that will bring long-term benefits to local
communities, businesses and visitors alike. We appreciate the
patience and cooperation of residents as works progress and are
committed to keeping people informed throughout each phase.”
The scheme, funded through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements
Regeneration Programme, is a collaborative initiative supported
by the Department for Communities alongside the Department of
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Department for
Infrastructure. The programme aims to regenerate small towns and
villages and boost local economies.
The Environmental Improvement scheme will be managed by Armagh
City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, providing a
coordinated series of improvements to the heart of each town with
initial works to commence in mid-March in Rathfriland followed by
works in Gilford over the summer and Markethill in Autumn 2026.
The works will include paving and surface upgrades which will
create more attractive and accessible streetscapes, enhanced
shared spaces, upgraded street lighting and street furniture.
