Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps he is taking to support the level of footfall on high streets, in the Mid Ulster constituency.
Minister for Communities: My Department is actively delivering a range of regeneration interventions in partnership with Mid Ulster District Council (MUDC) to increase footfall across town centres.
This includes recent investment of £588,000 through my Revitalisation programme, supporting initiatives such as shopfront improvements and art mural installations. These measures enhance the attractiveness and vitality of town centres, including Coalisland, Cookstown and Magherafelt within the Mid Ulster constituency, while encouraging increased visitor activity.
In addition, my Department has provided £30,000 to support the Cookstown Place Shaping Plan in partnership with MUDC. This Plan will provide a shared vision and long-term framework to support sustainable town centre growth.
My Department is currently working in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to develop the Shaping Sustainable Places programme. This is a long term programme to support regeneration initiatives in town, city and village centres across Northern Ireland. The outline business case for this programme is currently progressing through the necessary approval process.
ENDS
Your MLA 