£130k package to enhance walking routes in Antrim and Newtownabbey

Developments include a  1.5 kilometre woodland trail that has been created within Threemilewater Park, linking the Newtownabbey Way to the footpath at Doagh Road.

A new off-road “active travel route” has been established at New Mossley which includes a new two-metre wide walkway. 

A further extension is planned for access into a currently inaccessible scrub land area at the northern end of the site.

A boardwalk and reinforced path surface have been laid at Antrim Lough Shore Park and the existing footbridge at Crumlin Glen has been widened to improve accessibility.

Commenting on the projects, Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor Councillor Jim Montgomery said:“It’s fantastic that council has been able to deliver these improvements to our sites during a time where outdoor recreation has never been more popular.”

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots said: “The council has used this funding to create and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities that promote health, well-being, understanding, appreciation and action for the environment and access so that citizens can enjoy the value of our natural environment in Northern Ireland.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

Click here to read: The average adult will walk almost 75,000 miles over their lifetime – the equivalent of travelling around the world THREE times

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