Alliance hails East Belfast project lottery funding jackpot

12.17.00pm GMT Wed 14th Nov 2007

Alliance East Belfast MLA Naomi Long has welcomed today's announcement of £23.5 million pounds of funding for the East Belfast Connswater Community Greenway project. The project which won the funding in the Lottery's Living Landmarks competition will see new green spaces and much regeneration across East Belfast.

Naomi Long MLA said: "Its great news that the Connswater Greenway project has hit the lottery funding jackpot. This is an excellent scheme which will breathe new life into many parts of East Belfast.

"It will revitalise the whole area and will help maximise the potential of the East of the city. The creation of more green spaces will give local residents the surroundings they deserve.

"This scheme has a real vision and ambition for East Belfast and is an initiative that everyone can be proud of. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved in the funding bid on their hard work.

"This forward-thinking project will herald a new era for the area with more tourists visiting and local businesses being boosted as a result of it."

Cllr Maíre Hendron, who represents an area that the Greenway will run through, said: "I am very pleased that Connswater Greenway project has won this funding and been given the green light.

"East Belfast has had some difficult times during the troubles, and has seen the loss of jobs in local companies. This scheme will boost the area immensely and help it to become one of the shining lights of local tourism."

The Greenway also passes through Castlereagh and local Councillor Michael Long said: "This news is not only excellent for East Belfast, but for the city as a whole. This exciting scheme will open up a whole section of East Belfast for everyone and attract more tourists to the area."

ENDS