As part of the Covid-19 Revitalisation and Recovery Programme, over 80 businesses situated in small settlements across the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough are set to be revamped through the Small Settlement business grants scheme.

The programme was developed by the Council in partnership with Department for Communities (DfC), Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to support investment within 13 small settlements within the borough.

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Business owners are availing of grants to improve the exterior façades of their properties with fresh paint and signage, as well as accessing support for more extensive internal structural work to reconfigure and transform un-used spaces into new commercial units. Results of the programme are already being seen in rural towns and villages with property owners beginning to revamp buildings in areas such as Markethill, Tandragee, Bleary, Donaghcloney and Keady.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley commented: "The Small Settlements Grant scheme has enabled a significant investment in revitalising our small rural towns and villages, by supporting businesses to make improvements to their premises, creating a more vibrant and welcoming feel in our borough. I am delighted with the outcome of the project and would like to thank the Government Departments involved, helping to sustain local businesses in the area."