Project Overview 

Derg Active is an integrated economic, health and well being, social and environmental project focused on the rural town of Castlederg. The proposal seeks investment to deliver critical community infrastructure shown below that will act as a catalyst for the green economic recovery of this rural town that has suffered disproportionately due to its location on the periphery of the Council and its proximity to the border with the Republic of Ireland.

The overall aim of the proposal is to provide a targeted response to addressing (i) health inequalities; (ii) a lack of adequate facilities; (iii) redressing an imbalance in investment in the rural areas and (iv) taking the opportunity to promote and develop good relations between all communities within the Derg area.
The bid will help to address many of the multi-faceted issues and challenges impacting on the Castlederg area including health inequalities, poor quality of infrastructure, lack of greenways and open space, low levels of investment and community tensions It will also promote active travel by encouraging more people to walk and cycle whilst also encouraging more people to participate in exercise thereby addressing health and well-being inequalities.

The proposal will primarily focus on the following aspects physical developments:

• Redevelopment of Mitchel Park to accommodate a GAA junior size pitch, a senior soccer sized pitch and three mini-sized soccer pitches (suit youth training) to address key issues of flooding and poor drainage infrastructure including new pathways and upgrade of soft and hard landscaping and street furniture;
• Provision of a new outdoor gym adjacent to the new pitch;
• Improvements to the Castle Park site including upgraded secondary pathways, provision for event space and new street furniture that complements the heritage asset including installation of interpretation panels;
• Development of a new inclusive district destination play space that includes disabled access and new modern equipment;
• New and enhanced greenways connecting the Castle site, Mitchel Park, town centre and residential areas;
• Improvements to the amenity value of the business district of the Diamond area in the town centre;
• Creation of two parklets across the area covered by the proposal including one within the Diamond

This project will deliver highly visible and tangible regenerative impacts in Castlederg Town centre for the benefit of residents in the Derg area and also for visitors.