Coalisland's £225,000 Environmental Improvements funding boost

The Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie has today announced a funding contribution of £148,235 from her department's Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund for Coalisland.

The money will go towards a major street lighting scheme and environmental improvement works for Coalisland's neighbourhood renewal area. With a total value of £226,352, the project will commence early in 2009 in partnership with the Department of Regional Development’s (DRD) Roads Service.

Announcing the funding the Minister Ritchie said: “I am pleased to support this project for the people in Coalisland’s neighbourhood renewal area. These improvements will provide a safer, more attractive environment for local residents. Furthermore, in the current economic climate, the funding represents a significant contribution towards the retention of jobs in the construction industry."

Acknowledging the contribution from Roads Service and the good work being carried out by the Coalisland Neighbourhood Partnership the minister went on to say: "This announcement is a further demonstration of my department’s commitment to work in partnership with other government departments and agencies to improve the quality of life for people living in this area of Coalisland."

Street lighting will be enhanced in housing areas at Mountcairn, Innishmore Park, Mourne Crescent, Gorteven Terrace, River Park, Canal Place and Seagrave Terrace. The surface of roads or footpaths will be improved at Kelpie Terrace, Carnalea, Balmarino, Gorteven Terrace, Mourn Crescent and Loughview Gardens.

It is anticipated that the improved street lighting will reduce the incidences of anti-social behaviour while the re-surfacing will improve the general appearance of the area.

Notes to editors

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives.
2. Community renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
   • Economic renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
   • Social renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
   • Physical renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
   • The project has a total value of £226,352 made up of £148,235 from DSD, and £78,117 from DRD. It will be implemented using measured term contractors by Roads Service.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.