Proposals for Armagh regeneration considered

Government Ministers Des Browne and Angela Smith were in Armagh yesterday to hear at first hand the views of local councillors on how the centre of the historic city should be rejuvenated.

The NIO's DSD Minister, Des Browne, and Environment Minister, Angela Smith attended a presentation by Armagh City and District Council which illustrated how the city centre has declined over the past five to 10 years.

Mr Browne said: "Whilst it would be easy to dwell on the negative aspects, we should not forget that the Council and my Department have already worked together, along with the International Fund for Ireland to help prevent further decay and towards future development. The same also applies to matters such as transportation and planning which are the responsibility respectively of DRD and DOE."

The Minister said that there were areas for potential improvement such as the redevelopment of the derelict Lennox Building. Further regeneration would also depend upon factors including de-pedestrianisation of Market Square and appropriate environmental improvements.

Mr Browne said that an inter-departmental group had been established to oversee the proposed regeneration strategy for towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland, which is due to be published later this year.

He added: "There are no quick or easy answers to these issues but it is obvious to me that the best chance of success is created when local councils take the lead, prepare plans and work with government in an effort to help stimulate the kind of vibrant city centre we all want to see.”

The DOE has announce the start of the Area Plan 2018 earlier this month which will set out, for example, land use proposals for housing, industry, roads and open space.

(GMcG)