Village renewal works are underway in the Aghacommon area, thanks to the significant investment of £250,000 from local action group, SOAR ABC.
Funded through the EU Rural Development ‘LEADER’ Programme, the Village Renewal Scheme will bring about improvements to the existing community facility at Wolfe Tone GAC, including the development of a new 3G pitch and walking trails.
Serving the Aghacommon and Derrymacash areas, the enhanced community facilities will provide accessible recreational space, enriching the physical and mental health of the whole community and helping alleviate rural isolation.
Welcoming the investment, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage commented: “Aghacommon is one of nine rural areas across the borough to benefit from the Village Renewal Scheme – bringing about a total investment of over three quarters of a million pounds to these communities.
“The investment in Aghacommon is fantastic news for the community, which will not only provide a real asset to the area but will also help enhance the quality of life of the local residents.
“It is great to see the work get underway after many months of planning and I look forward to seeing it completed in a few months’ time.”
Chair of SOAR ABC and Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kyle Savage commented: “It is great to see the Aghacommon area benefit from this village renewal investment, supported by council and SOAR ABC.
“Acting as a hub for both physical and mental wellbeing, the new enhanced community facility will provide a greater and more accessible recreational offering for the whole community – and I am delighted to see the works commenced on site.”
Damien Mulholland from Wolfe Tone GAC commented: “The new floodlit 3G facility and walking trail will enable local schools, community groups and club teams to train, play and exercise safely throughout the year. Once completed, these new additions will prove to be a great asset to the Aghacommon, Derrymacash and wider rural areas.”
The contractor for the village renewal works in Aghacommon is Moss Construction.
A core element of SOAR ABC’s strategy, the Village Renewal Scheme helps support the drafting and updating of integrated village plans across the borough as well as assisting with capital investment to deliver projects identified in village plans.
Supporting the rural community in the borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, SOAR ABC provides support through a number of programmes, namely Rural Business Investment Scheme; Rural Basic Services Scheme, Village Renewal Scheme and Co-operation Projects.
For further information on SOAR ABC visit www.soarni.org
