Other News In Brief

Work To Commence On £453,000 Resurfacing Project In Kilrea

Work is to commence on a £453,000 reconstruction and resurfacing project on the New Row in Kilrea.

The work is to start on Monday, 09 Septmebr.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "This is a substantial investment for the Kilrea area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our rural road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out."

To facilitate construction of the scheme it will be necessary to implement a continuous road closure, from Maghera Street for 300 metres towards Upperlands, commencing at 8 am on Monday 9 September 2024 until 5 pm on Friday 20 September 2024. During these times, signed diversionary routes will be in place via:

B64 Maghera Street - B64 Garvagh Road - B64 Edenbane Road - B64 Kilrea Road - B64 Bridge Street - A29 Main Street Garvagh - A29 Carhill Road - A29 Garvagh Road - A29 Main Street Swatragh - A29 Moneysharvin Road- B75 Kilrea Road - B75 Drumagarner Road and vice versa.

The works are expected to be substantially complete by Friday 18 October 2024.

Derelict Greysteel Building Transformed Into Modern Business Hub

A derelict building in Greysteel has been revitalised into a modern business premises, following a regeneration initiative backed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The transformation, partially funded by the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, involved extensive renovations to the business unit on Clooney Road in Greysteel.

The previous bicycle shop has now been renovated from top to bottom including a replacement roof, new doors and windows, new ceilings, a new heating system, and updated electrics.

Thanks to the extensive work, the premises is suitable for number of uses.

Welcoming the completion of the project, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said: "The renovation work and funding provided by the Department for Communities through the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme has helped to provide much needed commercial rental space for Greysteel.

"Council is pleased to offer this support, helping transform several vacant and dilapidated commercial premises across the Borough back into use and I wish the new tenant at Clooney Road the very best of luck in their venture."

The Small Settlements Regeneration Programme aims to address long-standing issues such as rural poverty, isolation and access to services in small settlements with a population of less than 5,000 people.

Under this funding Programme, projects have also been delivered in Armoy, Cushendall, Garvagh, Mosside, Greysteel, Kilrea and Rasharkin, with more projects underway in Bushmills, Dernaflaw, Dervock, Drumsurn and Gortnaghey to create new and enhanced facilities.

All projects delivered under the scheme will be completed by the end of March 2025.

CFNI Congratulates Chairperson On Appointment As Belfast's New Innovation Commissioner

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has congratulated Chairperson, Dr Adrian Johnston MBE, on his appointment as Belfast's new Innovation Commissioner. He will officially take up the role in January 2025. Adrian has been a Trustee of the Foundation since 2019 and was appointed Chair in 2021. He has been involved with the Community Voluntary Sector for over 25 years across reconciliation and youth work.

Róisín Wood, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: "We extend our heartiest congratulations to our Chairperson, Dr Adrian Johnston MBE, on his appointment as Innovation Commissioner for Innovation City Belfast (ICB). At the Foundation, our mission is 'to work hand in hand with communities to build a better future' – a strategy Adrian was key in developing.

"The commitment and leadership he has shown as Chair of the Foundation is indicative of the approach he will take as Innovation Commissioner, supporting sustainable growth and promoting Belfast as a global home for innovation. Adrian’s experience in technology, philanthropy and innovation is a recipe for success.

"We look forward to working with him and ICB to encourage investment in Belfast to bring value to every citizen, whether through increased employment, education, or building a better-connected, healthier city. These gaols epitomise the values of the VCSE sector, and we look forward to supporting cross-sectoral partnerships to drive innovation."