Rural Town Gets Masterplan Boost

NI's infrastructure has been in focus this week with news that the Stormont Social Development (DSD) Minister, Nelson McCausland has been to rural Magherafelt to launch the newly completed Masterplan for the town centre.

He said that the Masterplan sets out a new vision for the town centre and identifies a series of initiatives, including a series of opportunity sites and proposals for a phased improvement to the public realm.

The plan also proposes better use of Town Centre Regeneration initiatives such as ReStore (shop front improvement), Purple Flag (town safety accreditation), Urban Development Grants to enhance the central areas as well as improvements to directional signage a town centre Heritage Trail and improvements to the parking strategy.

DUP Minister McCausland said: "The regeneration process mapped out in this new plan will help lead Magherafelt towards a new vibrant and exciting future.

"The Masterplan is intended to guide and assist developers from the public and private sectors over the next 15 years. I want to encourage investment and growth in our town centres, and the Masterplan is an essential starting point for that growth," he said, on Monday.

Also speaking at the launch, the Vice Chair of Magherafelt District Council, Councillor George Shiels said: "The Council is delighted to see the launch of the Magherafelt Town Centre Masterplan.

"A lot of hard work and consultation has gone into its preparation, and we look forward to working in partnership with DSD and other agencies to make the vision a reality."

Roads

Meanwhile, NI Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has congratulated Roads Service and its contractors for the successful completion of the 2010/2011 programme of works, and set out the planned £4.5m for structural maintenance in 2011/12.

The Minister said: "Despite last year's reduced budget for local transport and safety measures, a good range of such schemes has been successfully delivered by Roads Service.

"While the tightening public expenditure environment is due to continue, Roads Service is using its available resources effectively and continuing to deliver quality public services," the Ulster Unionist MLA said.

He noted that builders would be contracted to provide a southbound climbing lane on the Markethill Road, south of Armagh City in the early autumn and to be substantially complete before the end of the financial year.

The Minister also highlighted Roads Service proposed programme for the year ahead including major resurfacing schemes on the Newry Road, Markethill, Moy Road, Armagh and two schemes on the Portadown Road, Armagh.

He said: "A programme of local transport and safety schemes is now planned. These include junction improvements on the Portadown Road with the Mullahead Road, Tandragee and bend improvements at Murphy’s Corner on the Castleblaney Road, Keady.

"Also under Roads Service 'Safer Routes to Schools' initiative we propose to provide enhanced road markings and high profile warning signs to Poyntzpass Primary School. This programme will be delivered subject to the availability of finances and successful land acquisition.''

Strategic Road Improvement Manager Leslie McCullough welcomed the continued investment in road maintenance, which is helping to rectify the damage caused by the severe weather conditions last winter.

Mr McCullough provided the Road Service's report to Armagh City and District Council which detailed the completion of last year's work programme and outlined the plans for this year's road maintenance and improvements.

He said: "A wide range of resurfacing schemes has been delivered in the Armagh District in the past 12 months.

"Tightening public expenditure is an ongoing challenge for Road Service. However, we remain committed to deliver a programme of high priority road improvement and maintenance schemes for the district, as resources permit," he concluded.

(BMcC/KMcA)