A joint ministerial visit by the Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, and the Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, marked the completion of a major upgrade in Carrickfergus Town centre.

The public realms scheme works commenced just over a year ago in February 2012 and incorporated some additional works done by utility companies, resulting in overall improvements to the appearance of the town centre worth some £2million.

Speaking on a tour of the new improvements, Minister McCausland said: "I have been very impressed by the new works completed in Carrickfergus which have provided a valuable resource for both local businesses and shoppers to enjoy. The town centre has been transformed and will hopefully attract more visitors and tourists, and provides a diverse offering which will entice greater footfall and make it a much more vibrant area.

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"The quality of the work, the natural stone used and the new street furniture helps preserve and enhance Carrickfergus’ historic town centre. I would also like to thank local business owners and the contractors who have worked together to ensure disruption was kept to a minimal during the works’ implementation."

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The aim of the scheme was to create a neutral, vibrant and distinctive 'people friendly' town centre environment using high quality stone and materials, street lighting and furniture. The scheme also includes new traffic management measures designed to improve traffic flow through the town centre.

"The scheme has been developed by DRD Roads Service and their partner consultants, Amey, together with the Department for Social Development and Carrickfergus Borough Council. Various stakeholders were also consulted during the design and I am pleased to say that the overall aim of the scheme has been successfully achieved. The overall cost of the scheme was in the order of £2million and was funded by DSD, DRD and Carrickfergus Borough Council."

(CD/H)