OMAGH WINS �900,000 LOTTERY BOOST
Omagh wins �900,000 lottery boost
By Liz Trainor
OMAGH has been given a �900,000 lottery boost to help regenerate its bomb-ravaged town centre.
It is hoped the Heritage Lottery Fund package will restore many of the buildings damaged and destroyed in the Real IRA bomb blast last August.
In all, Northern Ireland will receive �3.7m from the fund for a number of regeneration projects.
Last night Omagh district council chief executive John McKinney said the award would help the Co Tyrone town "move forward."
Twenty nine people lost their lives after a car bomb exploded in the busy town centre. Hundreds were injured in the August 15 blast.
Yesterday Mr McKinney said the money, which had originally been granted to upgrade old buildings, would be used for general repair and upgrading work.
"We had applied obviously before the bomb for funds to conserve the historic fabric of the town in the Market Street area," he said.
"And with that area of lower Market Street being worst affected by the bomb we will be able to put the money directly into the area."
Mr McKinney said the council would seek further funding to upgrade and restore the bomb-hit town.
Meanwhile, Draperstown and Moneymore in south Derry has been awarded �1.2m to upgrade a number of buildings, mostly underused and in poor repair.
And two areas of Co Down have been given over �800,000. The Down towns group, consisting of Downpatrick and Saintfield was awarded �550,000 for restructuring and renovation work. And the coastal village of Killough has received �300,000 to help restore a number of derelict properties around the central square area.
Caledon in Co Tyrone has been granted �750,000 for major repairs including the reinstatement of architectural details, a new building and some public realm work.
The Canal Street area of Newry has been awarded �10,000, under the first phase of funding, to carry out a feasibility study into regeneration of the area.
If the study is looked on favourably the Canal Street Heritage Partnership will be able to apply for full funding to begin work.
By Liz Trainor
OMAGH has been given a �900,000 lottery boost to help regenerate its bomb-ravaged town centre.
It is hoped the Heritage Lottery Fund package will restore many of the buildings damaged and destroyed in the Real IRA bomb blast last August.
In all, Northern Ireland will receive �3.7m from the fund for a number of regeneration projects.
Last night Omagh district council chief executive John McKinney said the award would help the Co Tyrone town "move forward."
Twenty nine people lost their lives after a car bomb exploded in the busy town centre. Hundreds were injured in the August 15 blast.
Yesterday Mr McKinney said the money, which had originally been granted to upgrade old buildings, would be used for general repair and upgrading work.
"We had applied obviously before the bomb for funds to conserve the historic fabric of the town in the Market Street area," he said.
"And with that area of lower Market Street being worst affected by the bomb we will be able to put the money directly into the area."
Mr McKinney said the council would seek further funding to upgrade and restore the bomb-hit town.
Meanwhile, Draperstown and Moneymore in south Derry has been awarded �1.2m to upgrade a number of buildings, mostly underused and in poor repair.
And two areas of Co Down have been given over �800,000. The Down towns group, consisting of Downpatrick and Saintfield was awarded �550,000 for restructuring and renovation work. And the coastal village of Killough has received �300,000 to help restore a number of derelict properties around the central square area.
Caledon in Co Tyrone has been granted �750,000 for major repairs including the reinstatement of architectural details, a new building and some public realm work.
The Canal Street area of Newry has been awarded �10,000, under the first phase of funding, to carry out a feasibility study into regeneration of the area.
If the study is looked on favourably the Canal Street Heritage Partnership will be able to apply for full funding to begin work.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0272
Published Date: 29-Jan-99
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