An Environmental Improvement Scheme aimed at regenerating Doagh in County Antrim has been completed.

The project works, appointed to contractor idverde, at Doagh Corner and Anderson Park were celebrated at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A stunning sandstone circle was installed alongside new seating, paving and planting in Doagh Corner.

The sandstone circle features an engraved Flax Flower as a tribute to the linen industry that once defined the community's identity, along with five engraved discs depicting flax seeds, the Holestone, a globe, a plough and the Tumblin' Bridge which also celebrates Doagh's legacy.

Meanwhile, Anderson Park also saw significant upgrades that include the addition of new picnic tables and benches, upgraded pathways and trails, as well as enhanced surfacing across the park, making areas more durable and easier to maintain while reducing hazards for users.

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This project is part of a transformative £500,000 investment across Doagh, Burnside and Templepatrick, funded through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme by the Department for Communities (DfC), the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to reinvigorate the post-pandemic economy of smaller rural towns.

Through this programme, improvements will be delivered across five locations, including Doagh Corner, Templepatrick Roundabouts, Anderson Park and Burnside.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, alongside Elected Members, representatives from DfC, Doagh Village Community Association, the creator of the Sandstone Circle and contractor idverde.

Mayor Kelly said: "These two areas in Doagh will not only rejuvenate our local environment but also create spaces where residents and visitors can come together, celebrate our heritage, and take pride in our community. I look forward to seeing the completion of remaining projects."

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons added: "Through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme my department is investing in the long-term viability and prosperity of our smaller settlements, helping to create places that people want to live, work, visit and invest in."