Keep up with Armagh i

‘A once thriving market town’: Dungannon continues to ‘pull short straw’ with investment

'Investment must be focused on Dungannon where the main population is and not directed to remote areas to fit in with political agendas'

A Dungannon man has expressed his hopes that the town may receive investment in the New Year to bring it line with what he sees as its prospering neighbouring towns.

Speaking to Armagh I, the man, who preferred not to be named, said the lack of investment in Dungannon in recent years has been “very frustrating”.

“It used to be a thriving market town,” he added. “There’s not much to say, it speaks for itself.

“Rates for business are soaring, which puts them under pressure, and it’s hard for anyone to start a business with all the industry and factories in Dungannon that employ so many.”

Calling for support for independent businesses in the town is only a portion of the complainant’s gripe.

He also believes that more could be done to bolster recreation and attract visitors to the area.

He continued: “There is very little to attract people to come and spend time in the town to socialise.

“When you drive through Cookstown and Magherafelt, the investment and sporting facilities are far superior; Dungannon has become a tired town and deserves better than to be pushed aside.”

Cookstown is particularly well-known for its thriving, Saturday town centre markets where dozens of stalls can be seen lining either side of Main Street.

Over the years the market has been an asset to the town, bringing much needed footfall through the doors of the many independent high street businesses.

It’s also home to the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, famed for having “the most advanced synthetic turf surface in Northern Ireland, and is both FIFA and UEFA approved” alongside five sand mattress grass pitches, an endurance area, a strength and conditioning room and a sports pavilion with eight team changing rooms and a 1400m trim trail.

With this in mind, it’s not beyond comprehension that those living in Dungannon may feel a little green-eyed.

Speaking to Armagh I, Councillor Clement Cuthbertson agreed with the resident’s sentiments: “High business rates are killing our town centre. Next month Mid Ulster Council will be meeting to strike a new rate for the incoming financial year. This figure long with the Regional Rate, set by the NI Executive, will determine the level of rate bills for 2025 / 2026.

“Council must be more efficient. While budgets in some Council Departments are being squeezed, we see the continued squandering of money promoting Irish language.

“Since the reform of Local Government, Dungannon continues to pull the short straw. Our rates were increased to match the other two areas while money and resources have been ploughed into projects in the former Cookstown and Magherafelt areas.

“We need a destination play park created at Dungannon Park, this will increase visitors to the area. We need investment in Dungannon Leisure centre, should that be on the current site or a new site. We need a fair playing field when it comes to paying for parking.

“Investment must be focused on Dungannon where the main population is and not directed to remote areas to fit in with political agendas.”

Local jobs

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

More in Dungannon