Launch of Armagh Masterplan

The heart of apple blossom country and gateway to many cross border cities, towns and villages.

Forty miles or so from Belfast and boasting the home of  Ireland’s leading Centre for Astronomical Education housed at the Armagh Planetarium.

Minister Margaret Ritchie was invited to the City this week by the Armagh City and District Council to take a look at how things are shaping up since she announced an investment of £3.64 million back in September last year.

Minister used this opportunity to drive her policies of:-

The Minister has now announced that her Department is funding a Masterplan.

So what is a masterplan?

It is as it says – A plan.

Someone has an idea; someone likes it; just as important, someone doesn’t like it. Masterplans are suggestions made by experts to make something better. In this case Armagh City.

A Masterplan for Armagh City will be written by different people from government offices, politicians and private sector, such as businessmen.

Once that is done the Minister will give the local community an opportunity to have their say.

In particular Minister is very keen to see Armagh Gaol restored to its former glory. Not as an active prison you understand, but as a piece of quality craftsmanship, architecture and just a little bit of history.  Similar to the way in which the Crumlin Road Gaol has been restored as a visitors centre.

The results of the Masterplan should be available later this year 2008. The Special Features section of the DSD internet will be keeping in touch with Minister’s office to check on progress for you.

Special features will be a new aspect to the Department for Social Development website. It begins on 14th May 2008 with the launch of the Armagh Masterplan.

This area which will be seen on the DSD homepage aims to keep people informed about what is happening, how it’s happening and what is going to happen next.