£66k commitment to Lough Neagh projects

The Lough Neagh Partnership is a non-profit company made up of representatives of bodies interested in the development and protection of the lough.

The Partnership has assisted the council in securing £50,000 Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) funding for tourism projects.

It is also contributing content for the interpretive display in The Gateway centre, has supported the establishment of new businesses and enabled heritage survey work at Antrim Steeple site in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery, said: “Lough Neagh is one of the greatest tourism assets, not only for our borough but across Northern Ireland.

“With hugely diverse flora and fauna, rich history, beautiful landscapes and the opportunity for thrill-seeking watersports it has something for everyone.

“To properly realise the potential of such a major asset, we need to work with other stakeholders and the Lough Neagh Partnership has proved an effective vehicle to pursue this shared goal.

“I’m pleased that council has agreed to continue with its support and look forward to seeing projects delivered over the next three years.”

The new sculpture, interpretive display and environmental improvement works in the vicinity of The Gateway are scheduled to conclude at the end of March.

A public art sculpture is also being created for Antrim Lough Shore Park.

Recently, a new boardwalk and reinforced path surface have been created at Lough Shore Park.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

Click here to read: Antrim and Newtownabbey keen to promote open water swimming

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