McCausland Announces Consultation On Rathfriland Street Revamp

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced a public consultation on proposals for the new public realm scheme in Rathfriland Street, Banbridge.

The Rathfriland Street scheme will enhance a busy commercial area which links to the recently refurbished Solitude Park. Proposals for the scheme include:

· Narrowing of the footpath to provide parking/loading bays on both sides of the road,

· New granite footpaths,

· Re-use of existing granite kerbs,

· New lighting scheme to include extra lighting,

· Re-profiling and resurfacing of the carriageway, and

· Undergrounding of drainage from downpipes.

Nelson McCausland said: "Banbridge is a town with great potential and I am pleased to announce that a public consultation will be held to help inform the plans for a public realm scheme for Rathfriland Street. This scheme will greatly enhance and upgrade the busy commercial area, in line with the improvements previously carried out in the town centre. I believe it is important that local people contribute to the future proposals for their town.


"As Minister for Social Development I am aware of the current difficulties facing our towns and cities. The Banbridge Development Strategy identified this project as a priority regeneration initiative and I am encouraged by the dedication of Banbridge District Council who funded the strategy and who are committed to its delivery. Public Realm improvements are invaluable in the current economic climate. Besides creating employment while the work is underway, this project will help Banbridge to develop as an enterprising, competitive and traditional market town."

The public consultation will run until Friday 20 April. The proposals will be on display in Banbridge Leisure Centre and the design team will be available to discuss the plans on Wednesday 18 April between 4pm and 7pm.

Catriona Regan, Director of Leisure and Development at Banbridge District Council said: "We are keen to hear the views of the public about the scheme and want to have input of the business community in Rathfriland Street. The project will create an attractive link between the town centre and Solitude Park and provide much needed additional car parking for the town.

"We anticipate that this project will bring Rathfriland Street up to the standard which has already been achieved in the rest of the town and the work will further enhance the commercial core, benefitting our businesses and retailers."

(GK)