Causeway Coast & Glens councillors approved additional PEACEPLUS funding for Layde Path and Cottage Wood trail projects at the March Leisure and Development Committee meeting.

An Integrated Consultancy Team provided cost estimates totalling £1,185,133 for the redevelopments. Layde Path requires £506,388 for vegetation clearing, path repairs, and timber bridge replacements. Cottage Wood needs £678,725 for invasive species removal, road resurfacing, and new signage.

The initial PEACEPLUS grant covered £275,000. Council officers noted total costs surpass this figure. The council's Funding Unit obtained indicative approval from the Special EU Programmes Body for the full £1,185,133 to finish Layde Path and Cottage Wood.

Funding of £225,100 allocated for Ronán’s Way will not advance because the land lacks council ownership. This may postpone the project and threaten the PEACEPLUS deadline.

Sinn Féin Councillor Cara McShane and DUP Councillor Philip Anderson expressed thanks to the council's Funding Unit Manager for arranging the additional funds. DUP Alderman Mark Fielding indicated the work covers essential repairs at both locations and will serve residents and tourists once finished.