The first phase of work to deliver a new £80,000 park trail in Lisburn has reached completion.

Work completed during this phase included the creation of an access pathway and water crossing from Glenmore Activity Centre into Deadwall Plantation.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council received funding of £50,000 from DAERA's 2020/21 Environmental Challenge Fund for the first phase. Additional funding of £30,000 from DAERA has been offered to facilitate a second stage of this path being developed later this year which will provide a link to the Lagan towpath.

Visiting the site to mark the major project milestone, Environment Minister Edwin Poots praised the development for creating a space for people to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

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Minister Poots said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to walk the new park trail here in Lisburn, which received £50,000 from my Department's Environmental Challenge Fund for the first phase of development.

"Projects like this are important in sustaining and improving the health and wellbeing of local residents, both young and old. This particular 1.75km park trail, with its paths, wood carvings and habitats, will raise awareness of biodiversity and allow the people of Lisburn to get closer to nature as it provides an access route around a Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI) located within Lagan Valley Regional Park.

"This is a facility that can and should be enjoyed by people of all abilities, providing a new opportunity for outdoor recreation and physical activity in a natural wildlife setting. I’m particularly impressed by the inclusion of a 'Map for All', provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

"Finally, I would like to congratulate Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on the design and development of the first phase of this resource and look forward to the completion of the second phase, which will be funded by £30,000 from my Department, linking to the Lagan towpath."