A popular park in Dundonald, County Down, has been upgraded with a host of new walking and cycling trails.

The Billy Neill MBE Country Park, which attracts over 30,000 visitors a month, saw the development of new trails covering 3.5km.

These works were completed with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and Sport NI.

The NI Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 under Priority 6 (LEADER) provided support funding of £371,996 and the Sport NI 'Everybody Active Outdoor Spaces' Programme supplied £120,000 funding.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council led the development of the project, which included the development of a cycle pump track, 300 additional grasscrete car parking spaces, signage, benches, bins and improved lighting.

Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the council's Leisure & Community Development Committee, commented: "The council is continuing to invest in Billy Neill MBE Country Park as a premier outdoor destination with activities for all the family. It is delighted to have the support of DAERA and Sport NI in this respect and their financial contribution toward this phase of the development has been invaluable in recognising our long-term aim. The council is currently developing further plans for the facility in the coming years, which will enhance it as a truly magnificent location to walk, cycle, enjoy the biodiversity rich environment or play sport."

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Patrick O'Toole, Capital Projects Officer, SportNI added: "In the coming years SportNI will focus heavily on making sport accessible for all, whist continuing to support sustained participation in sport through projects like the development of the Billy Neill MBE Country Park. The transformative power of sport can be recognised and valued by promoting accessible infrastructure and providing participation opportunities. These new cycle and walking trail additions at the Billy Neill MBE Country Park will enable people of all ages to get involved in sustained participation in sports such as cycling and running and enjoy the improved mental and physical health benefits associated with them. These activities offer a very simple and informal pathway into the sporting system and offer similar outcomes such as enormous potential health benefits, societal and economic benefits to the citizens of Northern Ireland."

(CM/MH)