Funding Announced For Two Major Construction Projects

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that funding has been allocated to two major construction projects in L'Derry and Belfast.

Funding of £596,245 has been awarded to Derry City and Strabane District Council to commence the first phase of works under the Clooney Masterplan in Derry.

And in East Belfast, the Templemore Avenue/Albertbridge Road junction is to receive a regeneration upgrade thanks to £497,000.

The L'Derry, the funding will enable Derry City and Strabane District Council to develop derelict greenspace into publicly accessible and usable recreational space and will form the canvas for the future proposed greenway development in the area. Works include the clearance of lands at the former Ebrington Primary school site and an extension of the existing Clooney Greenway into former Ministry of Defence lands adjacent to Nelson Drive.

Minister Hargey said: "The Clooney Masterplan proposes the enhancement of existing green infrastructure in this area of the city, further connecting communities and providing additional amenity areas. This funding of almost £600,000 will create additional green space for use of local residents which will improve their physical and mental well-being. My Department will continue to work with Council and the local community to deliver on the remainder of the Clooney Masterplan proposals."

Following the recent appointment of the contractor E Quinn Civils Ltd, works will commence later this month and are scheduled to complete in the summer.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Graham Warke welcoming the funding announcement said: "This is hugely positive news and Council is delighted that funding has been secured for this important development that will allow us to commence with the first phase of the Clooney Masterplan. This project will greatly improve the community green infrastructure in the Clooney area. These enabling works are a precursor to the wider aspirations to deliver a comprehensive greenway network and connectivity."

Separately, the Templemore Avenue/Albertbridge Road junction scheme will include an upgrade of footways and landscaping as well as shopfront improvement works. The scheme is due to start in March 2022.

Minister Hargey said: "I am pleased to announce the £497k investment from my Department for a Public Realm Scheme on the Templemore Avenue / Albertbridge Road junction, in East Belfast.  

"This major investment at this busy commercial intersection will boost the appearance of the entire area, bringing wider physical and social regeneration. It will also further link to and complement the other public realm improvements already delivered by my Department in this area.

"This investment will benefit local retailers, businesses, residents and visitors alike. Public Realm improvements such as these help to make our cities and towns more attractive and contribute to the sustainability of our local economy and long term viability and prosperity."

The scheme will be delivered along the Albertbridge Road from Stormont Lane to Glenallen Street.

The scheme is due get underway in March by the appointed contractors, Maurice Flynn and Sons, with works due to complete by mid October 2022.