20/10/2026
Final Phase Of £2m Environmental Improvement Scheme Begins In Markethill
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the start of the concluding stage of a £2 million Environmental Improvement Scheme spanning the rural towns of Rathfriland, Gilford and Markethill in County Armagh.
The Markethill phase is under the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, with funding provided in partnership by the Department for Communities (DfC), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Work that commenced in March 2026 has already delivered notable upgrades in Rathfriland and Gilford, enhancing both appearance and functionality. Markethill is the final location to benefit from this investment.
In Markethill, construction will start at the Dolphin Takeaway and progress up Main Street, focusing on new paving, kerb repairs and the installation of additional street furniture to improve the town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.
Welcoming the final phase, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "The Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme is a great example of how DfC, DAERA and DfI have collaborated with our partners in local councils to address long standing issues in our smaller settlements. I am pleased to hear that the Environmental Improvement Scheme works in Rathfriland and Gilford are nearing completion and that the scheme is now entering into the final phase of delivery in Markethill. This investment reflects our shared commitment to strengthening rural towns, supporting their long-term sustainability, and helping to ensure they remain vibrant places to live, work and visit."
The Markethill phase is under the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, with funding provided in partnership by the Department for Communities (DfC), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Work that commenced in March 2026 has already delivered notable upgrades in Rathfriland and Gilford, enhancing both appearance and functionality. Markethill is the final location to benefit from this investment.
Welcoming the final phase, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "The Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme is a great example of how DfC, DAERA and DfI have collaborated with our partners in local councils to address long standing issues in our smaller settlements. I am pleased to hear that the Environmental Improvement Scheme works in Rathfriland and Gilford are nearing completion and that the scheme is now entering into the final phase of delivery in Markethill. This investment reflects our shared commitment to strengthening rural towns, supporting their long-term sustainability, and helping to ensure they remain vibrant places to live, work and visit."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry through the day with some sunny spells, perhaps the odd light shower across Down. Western counties will cloud over towards evening with perhaps a little rain in the far west. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:The east will be dry with some clear spells this evening. Cloud and rain will spread to western areas, turning heavier and then extending to the east overnight. Minimum temperature 8 °C.