Council to invest over £1.7 million in the Lisburn and Castlereagh community

March 9, 2022

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council continues to invest in local communities, with over £1.7 million planned for a range of worthwhile projects through the 2022/23 Local Investment Plan.

Corporate Services Committee Chairman, Councillor John Laverty BEM said: “Last year, we introduced the Local Investment Plan, providing over £1m to support communities, sports clubs, arts and culture and businesses during a very challenging period. It was a great success and I am delighted to launch our 2022/23 Plan which offers even more.

"In the next 12-18 months, we are planning for £1.7m of council investment and funding from key partners to go directly into the heart of our communities. We are committed to partnership working and understanding the changing needs of local people.

"Supporting mental health and wellbeing is a key theme within this year’s plan. Allotments and horticultural workshops will help get people outdoors along with a £100k sports grant scheme to encourage active lifestyles. You will also see improvements to our open spaces and a range of initiatives to support biodiversity and environmental protection.

"As always, we place communities at the heart of our decision making. This year will see more funding for our communities as we continue to work in partnership with local groups to address local needs. We will also make £85k in grants available for community arts and festivals which are more important than ever to get us back together again to share and enjoy our culture.

"Support continues for local businesses. We will help to address skills shortages with a new HGV academy, stimulate economic growth with new city centre initiatives and improve our infrastructure through the development of the Blaris Road car park. The Mayor’s Innovation Awards are back for a second year and I am delighted to introduce our first youth entrepreneurship programme for local schools.

"I am excited to see these plans progress and I look forward to seeing our businesses and communities continue to grow.”

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Local Investment Plan 2022/23 can be viewed HERE