Renewed calls for action on public realm scheme

MINISTERS are being urged to deliver on the Strabane Public Realm Scheme after the Department of Communities recently recommended the business case for approval, subject to amendments.

Speaking this week in the wake of that approval, West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said that progress on this project has been “incredibly frustrating.”

Estimated to cost up to £7 million (funded mostly by the Department for Communities with the Council paying five per-cent of the cost), the scheme would see significant environmental improvements to such areas of Strabane as Abercorn Square, Market Street, Castle Street and Railway Street.

These improvements will include the management of traffic flow, the improvement of pavements and the replacement of benches and public furniture throughout the area.

Planning permission was granted for the scheme in April 2020.

Mr McCrossan said, “I welcome the recommended approval of the business case for the Strabane Public Realm Scheme that has been in the works for some time… we now need to put that behind us and see this delivered to benefit the Strabane area.

“This scheme would provide much needed improvements to our town centre, brightening the area up and making it more welcoming to visitors.

“I have been pressing the Communities Minister (Gordon Lyons) for progress on this scheme since the return of the institutions and now the Finance Minister (Caoimhe Archibald) must also step up and approve this business case.

“There can be no more delays, these DUP and Sinn Féin Ministers are the ones with the power to make this happen and I will continue to demand immediate delivery for this long overdue project for everyone in Strabane.”

A spokesperson on behalf of the council said that the project remains a priority within the council’s Capital Development Programme and the Strategic Growth Plan for Derry and Strabane.

The council spokesperson said, “Council officers continue to be in regular contact with the department about the project and are hopeful that funding will be confirmed soon as the council can then commence with procurements and the appointment of contractors.”