Moyle chairman launches village renewal scheme

The scheme involved various elements including transformation of an unkempt site at the bridge into a community seating area as well as environmental enhancements at the five entrance points to the beach, with a theme of natural stonework throughout.

In addition floodlighting was installed in an existing multi use games area, known locally as ‘the mac’ and this has proved to be a definite hit with local young people who are now able to use the facility during the winter months.

At the launch of the completed scheme, Cllr Sandra Hunter, Chairman of Moyle District Council said: “Moyle District Council is very pleased to have been able to work closely with Glenariff Improvement Group to deliver the Village Renewal scheme in Waterfoot.

“I know that Glenariff Improvement Group has worked extremely hard to improve their village since they started just five years ago. Since the sites prioritised for improvement were owned by Council the Improvement Group requested that Council take the lead on the project which we were happy to do, as well as providing match funding.

“We hope that the good working relationship between the Improvement Group and the community in general will continue and that together we can make the most of the untapped potential and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for such a beautiful glen.”

Moyle District Council secured funding back in 2007 through an INTERREG III initiative ‘Sharing a Vision for Our Coastline’ to work with the local community in Glenariff to create a Village Plan and carry out improvement projects identified in that plan.

The more recent Rural Development Programme Village Renewal measure provided a timely opportunity to address further issues in the village and as a result of having a Village Plan in place, the village was in a prime position to avail of the funding opportunity.

Funding for the project came from the NE Rural Development Programme Village Renewal Measure, which is being part funded under Axis 3&4 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Moyle District Council contributed 25% of the cost of the project.