A Public Realm Scheme in County Down has received £3.1m of funding from the Department for Communities.

Paving and landscaping works will take place in Church Street and DeCourcy Place in Downpatrick to improve the quality of the areas as well as enhance the connectivity between them and the rest of the town centre.

Announcing the funding, Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am pleased to announce this £3.1m investment in Downpatrick, with £2.7m coming from my department. 

"This funding will complement previous public realm works in Downpatrick and is part of my ongoing commitment to the regeneration of our town and city centres. This investment will help to improve the streetscape and boost the rich heritage of the town."

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Minister Lyons also highlighted that it was a difficult period for Downpatrick's high street after many businesses had their premises damaged by floods last year. 

"I hope this will be a welcome boost in sustaining the long-term viability and prosperity of the town," added the Minister. 

The Downpatrick Regeneration Group Chairperson, Mal McGrady, also welcomed the investment, stating: "We are delighted that funding for a further infrastructure project identified in our Living High Streets Framework has been approved and that the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have been able to support Downpatrick with this funding package to transform Church Street and DeCourcy Place."