Levelling up funding granted for green spaces in Ireland

Announced today, the Levelling Up Minister states every council in Northern Ireland is set to receive funding from UK government to enhance green spaces in their communities.

Dehenna Davison, the Levelling Up Minister, claims more than £1.3m will be given to local authorities to fund 26 projects which include tree planting, new cycle paths, developing children’s play parks and a new King’s Garden developed to mark the coronation of King Charles later this year.

Ms Davison said: ‘It’s really important that people can take pride in the place they live and have easy access to more green spaces like gardens, play parks, cycle paths and forests.

‘This funding is going to all 11 councils in Northern Ireland and will support projects that visibly improve community facilities for everyone. These include a new King’s Garden in Newtownabbey, new paths in Drumcairne and Derrynoyd forests and a restored timber boardwalk at Killyfole Lough.’

The funding, which has come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), will allow councils to progress with their plans to level up and unlock additional investment in local green spaces throughout 2023 and 2024.

Today, the UK government is also confirming that it will work with councils and their local partners to allocate around £13.8m from the UKSPF over the next two years to improve areas across Northern Ireland. This includes, neighbourhood infrastructure, active travel enhancements and local arts and cultural activities – all supported by local community volunteering.

However, at the beginning of this year a vast number of cities across England unsuccessfully fought to receive funding from the government to improve their local green spaces. In January, Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, distributed a share of £2.1bn to three councils in the south, dismissing the regeneration needs of many northern regions.

Following this, Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council claimed the decision was ‘incredibly disappointing’ and stated extra funding for their local authority would have provided them with the opportunity to develop parks, transport infrastructure and local economies across the city.

Photo by Javier Távara