Edwin Poots has visited the rural towns of Armoy and Mosside to see how £2.3million funding from the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme funds is to be invested.

The Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister said: "It's great to be here in Armoy and Mosside to see for myself how some of the funding awarded to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will be invested in much needed infrastructure in the two villages. This package of funding will see 12 different rural projects being funded in towns and village centres here on the coast."

The funding was part of the joint programme delivered by the Department for Communities in collaboration with DAERA and Department for Infrastructure. The total funding package of £23million will see rural towns and villages benefiting from the funding.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey added: "The Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme is a great example of collaborative working across the three departments to enable the delivery of a wide range of regeneration outcomes in smaller settlements, such as Armoy and Mosside. It is supporting important projects that attract investors and visitors, creating vital and viable towns and villages that meet the needs of our rural communities."

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon also said: "This programme is a good example of how departments can work together to deliver real change in how people live and work. I am delighted that my department has contributed £6.5million to this programme using funding drawn from my Blue Green Infrastructure fund. This funding will help connect rural communities and create public spaces that will encourage active travel and enhance our quality of life."

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Richard Holmes said: "This is a very significant opportunity for some of our most rural areas and smaller settlements, who are now set to share over £2million of funding to enhance their surroundings and infrastructure.

"Armoy and Mosside will benefit directly from this support along with numerous other locations and Council is grateful to the Executive departments who have collaborated to make this possible. Our local communities are hugely deserving of this support which complements the resilience and resourcefulness they have demonstrated in recent times.

"This extensive funding programme will allow the continuation of village renewal schemes, the restoration of vacant or derelict properties and major enhancements to our active travel infrastructure. Collectively this will have a positive impact on our residents' day-to-day experiences, improve their health and well-being and encourage greater vibrancy. It's an exciting prospect for our borough and I look forward to seeing the projects get underway in the weeks and months ahead."