DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has visited a number of rural areas in Mid Ulster to see first-hand the successful investment in recreation facilities.

The minister was a guest in Pomeroy, Co Tyrone, where he saw the new £33,800 investment by DAERA to enhance football pitch facilities in the area.

"Facilities like this Pomeroy in rural Tyrone are often the centre for not only fitness but social interaction in the local community," said Minister Poots. "I am very pleased to see these new enhanced facilities at Pomeroy Pitch completed to which DAERA has contributed £33,800 under the Rural Villages Renewal fund stream.

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"The investment improves the standard and quality of the recreational infrastructure for the residents of Pomeroy and the surrounding communities."

The pitch received £33,800 funding under the LEADER Programme as part of a £204k investment in the town by Mid Ulster District Council's Village Renewal Scheme through the Mid Ulster Local Action Group (LAG).

During his visit to the Mid Ulster area he also visited Drum Manor Forest Park and Lissan House. At Drum Manor Forest Park outside Cookstown he also walked along a new £26,300 investment in new disabled facilities with improved walkways.

Mid Ulster Council District Chair, Councillor Paul McLean added: "I was privileged to be invited to see the results of projects made possible by the Rural Villages Renewal Fund, delivered through the Mid Ulster LAG. The results that we have seen will be a great asset to the local community. In particular, facilities like these do so much for the physical and mental health of our young people, who in rural communities can find it difficult to access sporting opportunities when the infrastructure isn't there."