Work underway on rural projects

Under the Village Renewal Scheme, environmental improvement works are being carried out in Kinallen, while a soccer pitch is being constructed in Magheralin.

The funding for both projects is from the LEADER element of the NI Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

Consultation with the Kinallen community during the village planning process identified a need to create a focal point within the core of the village, to encourage a sense of community where residents would have opportunities to engage with one another and to encourage young people to socialise.

It was agreed that the ideal location for creating a focal point would be on the Banbridge Road located at the Katesbridge/Kinallen Road crossroads.

In addition, agreement was reached that the Tullinsky Road junction would also benefit from some public realm works. Therefore, Environmental Improvement Works will see pedestrian paving, landscaping, site furniture and associated drainage to meet the needs of the community. Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage said: “These projects have been a long time in the planning and a lot of work has gone into their development by the Local Action Group (LAG) board and staff.

“As LAG Chairman, I am very grateful to all those who have worked so hard to get these projects approved and I am delighted to see the works commenced on site.”

Welcoming the start of the works, Minister Poots said: “Both of the projects were identified following local consultation and are aimed at improving the quality of life for the residents in the area.”

Both projects will be completed by September 2020.