This Department is tasked with delivering a wide range of services to those who work, reside or visit our District. Each service delivered by the Development Department, is based upon clear and accurate research with a view to addressing the needs and aspirations of our service recipients. So whether it is services to countryside access, arts, culture, leisure, or whether your interest is in community services, tourism, marketing then the Development Department is there to meet your needs.

Development Department Services:

• Tourism & Tourist Information Centre
• Arts and Culture Development
• Assisting Economic Development
• Information, communication and marketing
• Community Services
• Play Area Development
• Public Rights of Way
• Irish Language Services
• Information Technology Services

Under the Access to the Countryside (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, District Councils in Northern Ireland have a duty:

"to assert, protect and keep open and free from obstruction or encroachment any public right of way, and compile and preserve maps and other records of public rights of way in their district".

In cases where public rights of way are disputed, district councils have a duty to investigate the claims and gather evidence of user in an attempt to reach an informed decision regarding the existence or not of a public right of way.

When necessary Magherafelt District Council will seek legal advice in an attempt to resolve disputed public rights of way cases.

It should be noted that Magherafelt District Council cannot get involved in private rights of way cases or other private cases involving access or land ownership issues.