Four Mid Ulster villages benefit from £115,000 investment works

Works included a new walking trail at Killeeshil community grounds, an environmental improvement scheme at the Bush, a ball wall at St Malachy’s GAC in Moortown and a sensory garden in Sandholes.

The programme was delivered by Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership and part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union, with Mid Ulster District Council providing 25% of the overall costs.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Cathal Mallaghan, welcomed the completed works.

“Killeeshil, the Bush, Moortown and Sandholes are the four most recent villages to benefit from village renewal projects across the district, supported by the Council and Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership (Local Action Group)," he said.

“Following this substantial investment, the new walking trail around St Mary’s GAC pitch in Killeeshil will encourage users to get outside safely and enjoy some exercise at any time of year, but especially during these dark winter nights.

“The environmental improvement scheme completed at the Bush offers the local community an improved space, following the re-surfacing of the car parking area, planting and installation of CCTV.

“The 3.5m ball wall will bring a new aspect to training for everyone at St Malachy’s GAC Moortown, and the Sensory Garden at Sandholes will offer a relaxing space for the community to enjoy safely in these difficult times.”

The Chair of Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership, Conor Corr, commented:“The Partnership considers the Village Renewal Scheme as the cornerstone of our Rural Development Strategy to improve the fabric of Mid Ulster’s local towns and villages.

“Having provided 75% of the funding from our enhanced budget of £3.15m of EU LEADER funding for village renewal projects, this scheme is making significant local impact by addressing some of the key issues identified by those who live there.

“Having that local input and consultation has been a key factor in making projects such as these both successful and sustainable.”

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