£30,000 earmarked for Castle Park upgrade plans

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry City and Strabane District Council's (DCSDC) Governance and Strategic Planning Committee has revealed plans to upgrade and enhance Castle Park in Castlederg.

Local Ulster Unionist Councillor, Alderman Derek Hussey has been lobbying for improvements at the site for a while now: 

"For some time I have been lobbying Council for improvements within Castle Park in Castlederg with infrastructural improvements needed to assist with increasing use of our local Park. 

"In addition to casual users, use of what is a very appropriate venue for various festivals such as Dergfest and the Piping Festival has encouraged an increased footfall on the site.

"Festival usage however can have an impact on the ground surfaces within the area as occurred last year. 

"I have met several times on site with officials and various suggestions have emerged for improvement of the pathways, hard stand areas and lighting.

"At a Committee meeting on Tuesday Council officials confirmed that it is intended to address shortcomings within the site stating that 'a need has been identified for a maximum sum of £30k to be set aside to facilitate enhancement works to the Castle site in Castlederg to support outdoor event activity and in advance of the Dergfest in July'. 

"It is proposed that this amount is set aside from in-year capital savings and progressed under Chief Executive delegated authority within the required timescale.

"Whilst I am pleased that these works have been announced it is important that there is no slippage in the timescale for the commencement of these works if they are to improve visitor experience for those using our Castle Park in Castlederg this coming Summer."