Works are now complete on the new footway extension outside St Patrick's High School in Keady which are part of the Small Settlements Active Travel Scheme.

The new footpath link on Madden Road, delivered by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, is part of an Active Travel Masterplan for 13 small settlements in the borough. Additionally, resurfacing works have recently been completed at the Whitehall Road car park in Aghagallon.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: "As Minister I am committed to increasing opportunities for active travel and this investment in Keady will enhance provision for pedestrians while increasing safety for school children and locals who travel along this route on a regular basis.

"The Small Settlements Regeneration Programme is a great example of inter Departmental working to deliver real change in how people live and work in the post pandemic world. I am delighted that my department was able to contribute to this programme which has brought tangible benefits to our rural communities by supporting initiatives on the ground."

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Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy, commented: "We see many more of us travelling active when we can, whether that is walking, running or cycling. The Active Travel Scheme not only brings much needed investment and infrastructure to our towns and villages, but it will hopefully encourage even more opportunities to be active by providing solutions to address access or safety concerns. The new footway in Keady is a prime example of this, by connecting existing footpaths to provide a safe environment for the local community and pupils at St Patrick’s High School."

This project is part of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Programme which began in March 2022 with the focus on bringing infrastructure and investment to 13 towns and villages across the ABC Council area. 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).

Active travel involves physically active journeys, including walking and cycling and takes a holistic approach to movement, people, and place. The Active Travel Masterplan aims to overcome barriers and encourage active travel in 13 small settlements across the borough.