Mayor joins River celebration at Drumaheaglis

The aim of the visit was to officially mark the closure of a cross-border RIVER project which saw the injection of £1.29million EU Interreg funding promoting economic regeneration of a number of towns along the Lower Bann and River Erne.

The project promoted the regeneration of Portglenone marina, Kilrea town, and Drumaheglis marina on the Lower Bann; and Belturbet marina on the River Erne, together with improving water safety via the Community Rescue Service.

Addressing guests on the Banks of the River Bann at Drumaheglis, the First Citizen commented on the historic significance of the river.

He said: “Not far from where we are today, upstream at Enagh Cross near the Agivey Bridge was the home of a local celtic King.

“The tranquility of the colony was shattered by Vikings forcing locals to settle inland at what is now Ballymoney town. Today this beautiful tranquil riverside location, set among superb natural landscapes, links the River Bann to the famous Causeway Coastal Route.

“An idyllic location for cyclists, walkers and water enthusiasts, fishing, sailing and canoeing, are just some of the activities you can enjoy.”

The grant funding secured for the Drumaheglis element of the RIVER project, via NEP, together with funding from NITB and Council enabled the half million pound investment in a facility for marina users, improved access, visitor information unit and panels giving an insight into the history and heritage of the River Bann.

This greatly enhanced the facility.

As well as being part of a regional and interregional initiative, the project also provided the catalyst for a number of other projects here including a new Outdoor Activity building, a new floating pontoon with canoe steps with disabled access, a new outdoor gym/play area, all completed this summer.

The Community Rescue has also extended their activities on the River with a base at Drumaheglis.

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