Ritchie 'inspired' by Armagh City

Exciting times lie ahead for Armagh, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said today.

She was speaking as she visited the city to launch its new marketing brand and campaign: ‘Inspiring Armagh’. The Department for Social Development (DSD) was the main funder for the project, which aims to develop the marketing of the city to encourage inward investment, stimulate the retail and tourism sectors and boost civic confidence and pride.

DSD has supported the project through its City and Town Centre Marketing Programme, which aims to encourage regeneration by promoting business activity. It is just one of a number of initiatives the Department is supporting in Armagh as part of its commitment to reinvigorating town and city centres.

The Minister commented: “Armagh is a city rich in heritage, with fine architecture and a history to be proud of. It needs to embrace its many strengths in order to fully realise its potential. My Department’s support of the ‘Inspiring Armagh’ project aims to help the city make the most of its assets to raise its profile both at home and further afield.

“This is complemented by the other work we are involved in. My Department has committed £3million towards the scheme to improve the city centre’s public spaces and ease traffic congestion. In addition, we have spent over half a million pounds on Neighbourhood Renewal projects within Armagh helping those who are disadvantaged.”

During her visit the Minister met the Mayor and council officials, and took the opportunity to see at first hand the city centre and visit the site of Armagh Gaol.

She commented: “During my discussions today I have been struck by everyone’s commitment to work together for the future of Armagh. The key to success has to be a joined-up approach, with the public and private sectors working to a common agenda to ensure the city makes the best of opportunities to deliver on its potential.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The ‘Inspiring Armagh’ project has been jointly funded by DSD, Armagh City & District Council, and DETI through the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme. The total cost of the project is £133, 985:

DSD £66,992

Council £55,443

DETI £7,500

2. DSD is the primary funder of the public realm improvements scheme, contributing over £3million. Work is due to commence early in 2008.

3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468 / Fionnuala Campbell 07920 187 168. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.