Works are set to commence in Gilford from early July as part of a £2 million Environmental Improvement Scheme for rural towns of Rathfriland, Gilford and Markethill.
The scheme, which forms part of the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, is funded in collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC), the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Northstone the appointed contractor will commence works in Gilford from early July. Works will take place on the corner of Castle Street and Castle Hill road area during the summer months. These works will include upgraded paving and surfacing, new street furniture and general public realm enhancements aimed at creating a more attractive and welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
A local community drop-in session for residents and businesses will be held on Wednesday 17 June 2026 from 4pm to 7pm at Gilford Community Centre, to provide further information on the scheme and allow the public to raise any questions or feedback.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd commented,
“The commencement of works in Gilford is another important milestone in delivering the Small Settlements Environmental Improvement Scheme across our borough.
“These works will make a real and lasting difference to the village, improving accessibility, enhancing the public realm and creating a more welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike. We remain committed to working closely with local communities to ensure the works are delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption.”
A phased approach will be taken to delivery to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses, with the council and contractors working closely with stakeholders throughout the construction period.
To support ongoing communication with the local community, Northstone has appointed a public liaison, Gareth McKenna contactable on 07385 029 542, who will act as the main point of contact for residents and businesses throughout the construction period.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Following the ongoing works in Rathfriland it is encouraging to see this important Environmental Improvement Scheme progressing to Gilford as the next phase of delivery. This £2 million investment reflects our shared commitment to strengthening rural towns and supporting their long-term sustainability.
“The enhancements planned for Gilford will improve the quality and accessibility of the public realm, creating a more attractive and welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors. By continuing to invest in our rural communities in this way, we are helping to ensure they remain vibrant places to live, work and visit.”
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “I am delighted to see works getting underway in Gilford as the next phase of this important Environmental Improvement Scheme under the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme.
“This investment is a good example of what can be achieved when government departments and council work together to support rural communities, and the improvements planned for Gilford will enhance the village for those who live, work and spend time there.
“By investing in schemes such as this, we are helping to build strong, sustainable and diverse rural communities for the future.”
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “I’m delighted that my department contributed to this scheme in Gilford which will enhance the public realm experience in the village for residents and visitors and enhance accessibility for all.
“The Small Settlements Regeneration Programme plays an important role in connecting rural communities and creating public spaces that encourages active travel and enhances our quality of life. This in turn all helps to meet our Climate Change ambitions, grow our economy, address regional imbalance, improve wellbeing, and support a thriving region where people want to live, work, visit and invest.”
The £2 million Rural Towns Environmental Improvement Scheme is funded through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, a partnership initiative between the Department for Communities, Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department for Infrastructure and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The programme aims to support the regeneration of rural towns and villages, improve local infrastructure, and enhance the overall attractiveness and sustainability of town centres.
Further information on the rural towns small settlements scheme please visit: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/smallsettlements
