£10 million windfall for Omagh and Castlederg

MAJOR projects in Omagh and Castlederg have received a massive funding boost of over £10 million.

Omagh’s derelict former health centre will be transformed into a cutting-edge Enterprise and Innovation Hub thanks to a £4 million investment announced on today.

It is estimated that the Hub, which will primarily provide small and flexible office space for local businesses, will cater for around 40 organisations, creating around 200 jobs.

The £4.1m of funding has been secured from a total of £49m available for the whole of the North through the British Government’s ‘levelling up fund’.

Meanwhile, some £6.5 million has been ring-fenced for the ‘Derg Active Project’ in Castlederg, which includes the construction of a new full size floodlit 4G pitch at Mitchell Park, exercise stations, new walking routes and more.

Nick O’Shiel, chief executive or Omagh Enterprise Company, who earmarked the health centre site as a potential business hub as early as 2017, and has been a constant driving force behind the project, is delighted that the funding is no longer in doubt.

“It is great to finally have confirmation that the money is secure, so we can now start progressing on a concrete basis,” said Mr O’Shiel.

“Once we have completed the redevelopment planning process, it should take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to reach.”

Sinn Féin councillor Ruairí McHugh says the windfall will provide a “massive boost” for the Derg area.

“The £6.4million application was submitted to this fund following cross-party support I received for a motion to Derry and Strabane District Council in relation to the regeneration of the town…” he said.

“I would particularly like to pay tribute to all council officers who worked so hard on this successful application.”

By Emmet McElhatton & Michael Devlin