Speaking following the useful meeting Lord Mayor Haughey said, “I was delighted to host Armagh Respiratory Group in the Palace to discuss some key issues currently facing the group. In particular, I was very interested to hear their views on the creation of an outdoor gym in the Palace Grounds. The group certainly put a good case forward for the development of outdoor recreational equipment to allow local people to exercise and enjoy the outdoors free-of-charge. This is something that has been done in Wallace Park Lisburn and Slieve Gullion Park and could work very well in Armagh.
“I informed the group of Council’s plans to redevelop the Palace Park to create a People’s Park which would include a new play facility and an adult outdoor recreational area would fit exceptionally well with this. Council Officer Gerard Houlahan took on board the groups views and agreed to include Armagh Respiratory Group in the consultation process about development around the Palace Park.
“We also took this opportunity to highlight current council facilities which the group can avail of at concessionary rate including the Orchard Leisure Centre, Loughgall Country Park, and Active Communities Coaching.
“We also used this opportunity to highlight the Council’s Community Safety Programme, led by Stephanie Rock, which many in the Respiratory Group can avail of. This programme is available for older people in the district and provides individuals with home safety checks and advice as well as the provision of a number of home safety measures.”
“This was a very worthwhile meeting and I look forward to working with Armagh Respiratory Group over my Mayoral year to ensure that Armagh Council is delivering for older people, and people with respiratory difficulties.”