Council Welcomes DfI Funding Announcement
Mid Ulster District Council has been successful in securing funding from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Active Travel Programme to complete upgrade works at Dungannon Park.
The funding will facilitate upgrades to lighting on the pedestrian/cycle route as well as additional safety surfacing works.
The planned upgrade works will:
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Increase opportunities for people walking and cycling along the route by providing better lighting in hours of dark and include upgrades to safety surfacing therefore increasing the ‘feel safe’ factor for people using the route.
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Connect people to outdoor recreation facilities in the area and encourage people to visit other nearby sites and amenities.
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Improve public health and wellbeing by providing opportunities for, and encouraging increased levels of, physical activity.
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Provide associated economic returns and social benefits to users and the area.
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Bring environmental benefits to help assist council in line with the NI Executive's goals to meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Welcoming the funding announcement, Chair of the Council, Councillor Eugene McConnell, said:
I’m thrilled to welcome this vital funding for Active Travel improvements in Dungannon Park. Investing in safe, accessible routes for walking, cycling, and wheeling makes our community greener, healthier, and more connected. This project will enhance our park for everyone - families, commuters, and visitors alike - while supporting our commitment to sustainable travel. My thanks to the Department for Infrastructure for their support in making Mid Ulster a better place to live and move.
Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins added: “Creating cleaner and greener connections is one of my department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future and I am pleased that my Department is able to provide capital funding support to this project. I am committed to supporting councils to realise their ambitions and will continue to work with them to develop their longer-term plans for greenways and other active travel related facilities.
“By working together, we can encourage more people to consider walking, wheeling and cycling as part of their daily routine. This is not just good for the environment but is also beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing. I wish Mid Ulster District Council every success with this project.”
It is anticipated the works will be completed this year.