Local spaces in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area have been significantly enhanced with funding from the UK government.

The Council was awarded £103,752 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to improve open spaces at Lough Moss, Carryduff and Billy Neill MBE Country Park, Dundonald to meet community needs. This investment will also assist with its Ash Dieback Action Plan in Lisburn. 

Christine Robinson, Head of the Northern Ireland Area within the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLHUC) attended the official opening of the new Lough Moss Community Hub by Councillor Aaron McIntyre, Leisure & Community Development Chairman today (04 April). They were joined by elected members and community representatives.

Councillor Aaron McIntyre, Leisure & Community Development Chairman, said: "I am delighted with the creative utilisation of the former play area by the council. It demonstrates true partnership working with the Carryduff community. To meet local intergenerational needs we now have a multi-use games area to offer recreational opportunities to our younger residents and sport enthusiasts to use freely 24/7.

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"A sensory garden designed to appeal to the senses of taste, touch, sound, smell and sight while providing a calming and therapeutic experience for all abilities has been established. And in terms of sustainability and supporting local biodiversity we have also created an area for use by residents of the Carryduff community and ourselves. This area has raised beds, a potting shed, a poly tunnel, and composting and storage areas. By 'growing local' the community will be able to assist with the provision of floral delights for displays within this rural town."

At Billy Neill MBE Country Park one existing pathway has been replaced with a durable surface to ensure full accessibility at this popular open space for everyone. The final project facilitated by this funding is the placement of Yew trees in Lisburn New Cemetery to replace the former Ash tree belt in this facility which borders a main road.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's three projects meet the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLHUC) priority of 'Communities and Place'. They have enhanced the infrastructure at Lough Moss and Billy Neill MBE Country Park and the boundary of its main cemetery.