13 March 2003
MINISTERS HEAR PROPOSALS FPR REINVIGORATION OF ARMAGH CITY CENTRE
Two Government Ministers were in Armagh today to hear at first hand the views of local councillors on how the centre of the historic city should be rejuvenated.
Des Browne, who has responsibility for the Department for Social Development and Angela Smith, who has responsibility for the Departments of the Environment and Regional Development, attended a presentation by Armagh City and District Council.
After the meeting, Des Browne said:
"We have had a very effective demonstration of how the city centre has declined over the past five to ten years. There are clearly a number of issues that Government and the council must tackle jointly if Armagh is to prosper again.
"Whilst it would be easy to dwell on the negative aspects, we should not forget that the Council and my Department have already worked together, along with the International Fund for Ireland to help prevent further decay and towards future development. The same also applies to matters such as transportation and planning which are the responsibility respectively of DRD and DOE.
"I recognise that the city centre is not as vibrant as we would like, with many derelict sites, including the Lennox Building. We have heard that the Council feels that regeneration depends on factors including de-pedestrianisation of Market Square and appropriate environmental improvements.
"While DSD takes the lead in city and town centre reinvigoration, there is co-operation within Government to ensure that matters such as planning, roads and car parking help create a framework within which city and town centres can thrive. Indeed, an inter-departmental group is overseeing our proposed regeneration strategy for towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland, which is due to be published later this year.
"There are no quick or easy answers to these issues but it is obvious to me that the best chance of success is created when local Councils take the lead, prepare plans and work with Government in an effort to help stimulate the kind of vibrant city centre we all want to see."
Angela Smith said:
"With responsibility for the Environment and Regional Development portfolios, I felt that it was important for me to accompany my colleague on this visit and hear at first hand the views of local councillors on the future of their city.
"Obviously Area Plans play a complementary role to city centre rejuvenation. Staff from DOE’s Planning Service attended Armagh District Council earlier this month to announce the start of the Area Plan 2018. This Plan will set out, for example, land use proposals for housing, industry, roads and open space.
"The Plan will no doubt have regard for any future city centre rejuvenation, including commercial and retail sector development. Further, the Plan will be prepared in consultation with the Council, particularly through a newly formed steering group."
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