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Environmental Improvement Scheme

The Small Settlements Environmental Improvement Scheme is a £2million public works scheme for the rural towns of Rathfriland, Gilford and Markethill.

The programme of works will deliver a range of enhancements designed to improve the look, feel and functionality of each town while respecting their rural character. Works will include new and upgraded pavement treatments, improved lighting, enhanced shared space, street furniture, signage and decorative features, all aimed at creating a more attractive and welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors.

Rathfriland

Works commenced in March 2026 in Rathfriland Town Centre and are continuing to progress on time. The Contractor will move off-site before the July holiday period and will return in the Autumn to complete the remainder of environmental improvement works.

The diagram below shows the planned phases of work.

The contractors, Northstone, intend to complete each phase in sections to keep vehicular and pedestrian disruption to a minimum. All businesses and residents within an affected section of the works will be given adequate notice and information prior to works occurring outside their properties.

Should you require to speak to the contractors, their contact details are:

Onsite Public Liaison Officer – Gareth McKenna
028 9590 5249

Gilford

We invite the local community and businesses to attend a drop-in session to share project details in advance of works commencing.

Wednesday 17 June 2026
Gilford Community Centre
4pm to 7pm

Work is due to commence at the start of July and will be carried out over the summer months. The diagram below shows the planned areas of work.

Gilford Environmental Improvement Scheme

Markethill

Works are due to commence in the Autumn 2026. More details to follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be carrying out this work?

The works will be delivered by appointed contractor Northstone, who will carry out construction in a phased and carefully managed manner to minimise disruption.

Should you require to speak to the contractors, their contact details are:

Onsite Public Liaison Officer – Gareth McKenna
028 9590 5249
threetownspublicrealm@northstone-ni.com

How can I find out more information?

There will be information drop-in sessions held in each town prior to the work commencing there. Please check the specific town details above for further information.

Will there be any road closures?

The Department for Infrastructure has been consulted and involved in the planning of the works. Temporary traffic management arrangements, including lane closures and pedestrian diversions, will be in place as required. Access for residents, businesses and emergency services will be maintained throughout the works, and every effort will be made to reduce inconvenience.

Who is funding this project?

Council secured funding in collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC), the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in March 2022 to undertake projects which would support the recovery and revitalisation of small settlements.

A small settlement is defined as one with a population between 1,000 to 4,999 people.

There are now 16 Small Settlements within the Borough:

Aghagallon	Bleary
Dollingstown	Donaghcloney
Drumnacanvy	Gilford
Hamiltonsbawn	Keady
Kinallen	Laurelvale/Mullavilly
Magheralin	Markethill
Rathfriland	Richhill
Tandragee	Waringstown

Projects funded so far include business support grants for commercial facades and reconfiguring spaces, active travel schemes such as the footpath extension outside St.Patrick’sHigh School in Keady, and the borough-wide market strategy which led to the introduction of Council’s artisan markets.