Construction work is to start on the £350,000 Forkhill Greenspace project in Armagh.

The scheme is jointly funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

It involves the construction of a 800 metre pathway together with a number of environmental features and complementary street furniture which will meander round the perimeter of the former military base site.

The pathway has been designed so that it will not compromise any future development on the site and will also protect a number of mature trees.

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DAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "The Forkhill Greenspace project will provide a state of the art walking track which will not only enhance the local environment, but will also provide a means for local residents to improve their health by enabling them to exercise in a safe environment. It will also help improve education through the provision of an outdoor classroom and other nature linked features."

Chairman of the Forkhill & District Development Association (FADDA) Raymond McCumiskey said: "We are delighted that work on the Greenspace project has commenced and we acknowledge the commitment from DAERA and Newry, Mourne and Down Council, as regards the provision of the funding for the project which will significantly enhance the village and represents a further step in the redevelopment of this site."

(CD/MH)