The recently upgraded facilities at Battery Harbour on the shores of Lough Neagh were officially opened yesterday by Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew.

£225,000 was invested through the extension of the harbour to provide an additional six berths, bringing the total number of berths to 12, as well as the refurbishment of harbour facilities.

At the official opening, the Minister highlighted the important role of the harbour, and other similar marina's, in attracting people to visit Lough Neagh and its wetlands.

Ms Gildernew said: "Battery Harbour plays an important part in the lives of the local community, fishermen, businesses and tourists. The number of visitors to Lough Neagh is increasing year on year which in turn demands modern facilities on the Lough shore. This project, along with others at Ballyronan, Kinnego and Ram's Island, and the introduction of various walks, cycle tours and angling sites will encourage people to visit the wider Lough Neagh area and to appreciate its natural beauty.

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"In particular I am pleased that this funding will provide upgraded facilities and tangible support for the eel fishermen of Lough Neagh who have historically fished out of his harbour. Battery Harbour is also a base for The Lough Neagh Rescue and this funding will undoubtedly benefit and assist them in their everyday activities as well as supporting those using the Lough for leisure pursuits," the Minister said.

Chairman of Cookstown District Council, Cllr Ian McCrea added that the facility contributes to the "ever-growing impressive list" of leisure, recreational and economic facilities in the Cookstown District.

He said: "We, in Cookstown District Council, are proud of our reputation of being one of the most proactive forward thinking Local Authorities throughout Northern Ireland.

"This project now also offers a vital opportunity for this area to capitalise on the natural resources and beauty of this area of Lough Neagh which people are clearly keen to visit. By offering tourists high quality facilities we aim to increase visitor numbers which will also bring economic benefits to the Battery and the surrounding rural area."

This project is one of the latest developments by Cookstown District Council and was funded by the Council and the Lough Neagh Partnership through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development under the EU Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity, which contributed £52,593.

(VB/JM)