PORTAVOGIE PROMENADE TO GET £500,000 FACELIFT

Portavogie promenade is to receive a £500,000 facelift after Ards Borough Council secured rural developing funding.

Originally built in 1974, the promenade has been subject to tidal erosion making parts of it unsafe for public access. A grant of £250,000 has now been awarded through the Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP), with the Council providing the equivalent in match-funding.

The project will include the renewal and strengthening of the rock armour coastal defence and the enhancement of the walkway, as well as the addition of seating and lighting. Planning and environmental consents have already been approved and work is expected to begin early in April 2012 and to be completed by the end of October.

The project is one of over 70 across the four council areas of Banbridge, Ards, Down and North Down which is benefiting from the £13M which has been allocated to improve rural communities until 2013 and has been allocated money under the 'Encouragement of Tourism Activities' theme.

The funding from DRAP has enabled the Council to make the investment, as Mayor of Ards, Councillor Mervyn Oswald, explained:

"The promenade is in a great location, offering peaceful walking opportunities and beautiful coastal views along the way. Unfortunately the erosion problem has limited its use while the Council has sought sources of funding to help with the strengthening of the rock armour and the enhancement of the walkway. We are delighted that the value of this asset as one of the village's main visitor draws, has been recognised by the Down Rural Area Partnership. This funding means the Council is now in a position to make its own substantial investment to enhance the promenade and I look forward to seeing its completion".

David Kerr, Chair of DRAP's Local Action Group, said:

"This is a significant funding allocation through the Rural Development Programme, which will have a substantial impact on Portavogie's attractiveness to visitors and will boost its tourism potential. It is another excellent example of how rural development funding is being channelled to make a significant impact on the ground in rural communities".

To apply for rural development funding you must live in a rural location in one of the four Council areas - rural is defined as a settlement with a population of 4,500 or less - or if you live in an urban setting, you must be able to demonstrate that your project will principally benefit a rural area. Farmers, private businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and social economy enterprises, as well as individuals over the age of 18, can all take advantage of the funding opportunities. Anyone who would like to know more should contact the Down Rural Area Partnership offices at Ards Business Centre, Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, Tel: 028 9182 0748 or log onto www.downruralareapartnership.com.

-