Council Representatives meet with Minister Kimmins to discuss Infrastructure issues in Ards and North Down

A delegation from Ards and North Down Borough Council held a productive meeting with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins at Parliament Buildings on Monday 16 June where key issues regarding infrastructure in the Borough were discussed. The delegation was led by the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, and included cross-party political representatives and council officers.

Council representatives appreciated the opportunity to meet with Minister Kimmins to deliver updates on several key projects, whilst also discussing ways in which Ards and North Down Borough Council can work more collaboratively with the Department moving forward, to better enhance the Borough's Infrastructure and local economy.

Specific topics for discussion included Wastewater Infrastructure, in particular the need for upgrades at Kinnegar in Holywood; Road Maintenance and historic underspending in Ards and North Down; and Coastal Erosion, considering in particular sea defences in Donaghadee. 

Greenways and sustainable transport links in the Borough, to better connect our city, towns and villages were also discussed. The Minister visited the site of the new Newtownards to Bangor Greenway earlier in the year and is very supportive of the project. 

Following the meeting, the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

"I was delighted to join with Council colleagues in meeting with Minister Kimmins at Parliament Buildings. It was an extremely positive meeting and a great opportunity to provide updates on work that is ongoing, as well as raising some of the challenges facing Ards and North Down as we seek to improve Infrastructure within the Borough.

"The Council is committed to working closely with the Department on a wide range of issues moving forward. We are grateful to Minister Liz Kimmins for her ongoing support."

Photo caption: A delegation from Ards and North Down Borough Council, led by Mayor Gillian McCollum, held a productive meeting with Minister Liz Kimmins at Parliament Buildings.