Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has delivered two projects in Garvagh and Rasharkin as part of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme.

In Garvagh, the scheme included the creation of a new all ability cycle/walking path at Clyde Park in the town. This will provide residents with the ability to get outdoors for regular exercise on a user-friendly surface.

The Rasharkin project involved replacing steep and inaccessible steps behind the Community Centre with a gently sloping path. This new path makes it easy for residents and visitors to reach the venue and improves access to the village from the community centre. It's designed to be accessible for everyone, especially benefiting those with disabilities or parents pushing prams or buggies.

-- Advertisement --

Numerous villages in Causeway Coast and Glens will receive investment from the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC), the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), aims to support rural development and revitalization efforts.

The programme aims to address long-standing issues such as rural poverty, isolation, and access to services in small settlements with a population of less than 5,000 people.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: "The Covid Recovery Small Settlements Programme is a very welcome and timely intervention in these rural areas. These new paths will encourage residents to get outside for daily exercise, while the improved access in Rasharkin will encourage visitors to the Community Centre to walk into the village and avail of the retail offering, providing a welcome boost to the village economy.

"I am very grateful to the Department for Infrastructure for providing this funding and to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for its financial assistance also."