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Strabane Regeneration
HANSON MAKES THE CONNECTION IN STRABANE
5 October 2006
Social Development Minister, David Hanson MP, today officially opened the latest phase of the continuing regeneration of Strabane town centre.
The Minister visited Main Street and the pedestrian link between John Wesley Street and Castle Street (Post Office Lane), which have benefited from an £579,000 environmental improvement scheme. Surfaces have been enhanced with Kilkenny limestone paving while high quality street furniture and new lighting have also been installed.
A total funding package of £579,000 was provided by the International Fund for Ireland, through the Department for Social Development acting as its agent, DRD Roads Service and Strabane District Council. The scheme has transformed the area and has made it more inviting for both local residents and visitors. The Minister paid tribute to the work of Strabane District Council, who through Strabane 2000, has been the driving force behind the vision and delivery of this environmental improvement scheme.
Minister Hanson said: “I am very impressed at the quality of what I have seen in Strabane today. What has been achieved here is an excellent example of how the local authority and Central Government can work in unison to bring tangible benefits for all.
This is a scheme in which local people can have a sense of civic pride. My Department will continue this partnership approach to deliver further benefits for Strabane and its people.”
Strabane 2000 Chairman, Councillor Eugene McMenamin MLA, welcomed the completion of the scheme, “This represents a major investment in the future economic prosperity of Strabane town centre. The pedestrian walkway will not only make the town centre more accessible but will serve to attract investment into adjacent land.”
The Chairman of Strabane District Council, Cllr Thomas Kerrigan, welcomed the Minister and added “The Strabane 2000 Initiative is proof of what working in partnership can achieve. Since it’s launch it is fair to say that Strabane’s physical appearance has greatly changed and will continue to progress as further development opportunities take place.”
The environmental work was carried out by McFadden’s Ltd, Omagh, in liaison with the design consultants, Ferguson McIlveen LLP, Belfast.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Environmental Improvement scheme was completed on Main Street and created the pedestrian link between John Wesley Street and Castle Street and was funded by the International Fund for Ireland, through DSD, to the amount of £437,000. A further £110,000 was provided by Roads Service (£75,000 for land acquisition and £35,000 for environmental works) and £32,500 was provided by Strabane District Council.
2. The Department has recently funded the Strabane Arts and Cultural Centre the £2.8 million project is being supported by a number of funders with just over £1m provided by DSD. Other funders include the Department for Enterprise and Investment (through the Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme), the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Foundation for sports and the Arts and as part of that whole scheme are funding a £316,000 Environmental Improvement Scheme through the Integrated Development Fund.
