DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, along with representatives from other government departments and key stakeholders, visited Portaferry to celebrate the successful completion of the £2 million Portaferry Public Realm Scheme.

The ambitious project, which commenced in October 2023, has been delivered within a year, transforming the heart of the market town. The revitalised Market Square is now a vibrant space suitable for community events and gatherings.

The scheme encompassed a range of improvements, including the resurfacing and widening of footpaths, enhanced street lighting, new street furniture, and additional planting. These enhancements have improved pedestrian connectivity and the overall aesthetic appeal of the town centre.

The Portaferry Public Realm Scheme was funded under the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme (CRSSRP), a collaborative initiative involving the Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure, and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said: "The Portaferry Public Realm Scheme successfully established collaborative working between Ards and North Down Borough Council, central government departments and local community stakeholders. The Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, combined with a contribution from the Council, provided the funding for this £2m scheme. It is a fabulous upgrade for Portaferry that will help regenerate the village and will benefit residents, businesses and visitors to the area."

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DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "I am very pleased that my Department was able to contribute funding towards the Portaferry Public Realm Scheme through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration programme. The transformational work undertaken will have many positive health and wellbeing impacts for local rural residents and visitors as well as economic benefits for businesses in the village. This completed scheme in Portaferry will go a long way to building a strong, sustainable and diverse rural community which is a key priority for my Department."

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, said: "I am really pleased to see the completion of this public realm project. It has genuinely transformed the centre of Portaferry and shows what fantastic results can be gained through collaborative working, both across the executive Departments and with our colleagues in Ards and North Down Borough Council. I am aware of the considerable work that has gone into delivering these results for the people of Portaferry and the wider peninsula, and I would also like to thank the design team, Aecom, and the contractor, Northstone for working so well in partnership with my department to see this project delivered so successfully."

The Scheme also helped to support the local community throughout the construction phase with the donation of wood to Portaferry Men's Shed and through educational visits for schoolchildren. The Men's Shed was grateful recipients of the wooden crates that were used to transport materials to Portaferry, with the group creating a variety of useful products using the donated crates.

Portaferry is located at the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula. It has a population of almost 3,000 people and is a popular destination for tourists with attractions such as Portaferry Castle, Exploris Aquarium, Nugent's Wood, Portico and a small marina. There is a strong fishing tradition in the town and surrounding area.