Craigavon is a comparatively new town in northern County Armagh, Northern Ireland.
Craigavon was a planned settlement established in the 1960s as part of the ambitious plans of the Northern Ireland government to create a new city that would serve as a counterbalance to Belfast. The formation of the new city was intended to stimulate economic growth and to provide modern living conditions.
Named for James Craig, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, the plan was for Craigavon to amalgamate the existing towns of Lurgan and Portadown, and to create new residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It was to be a modern urban area with plenty of green space, an efficient transportation network, and advanced infrastructure.
The plans were grandiose. The vision was for a utopian city with wide boulevards, lakes, and an extensive park system. Industrial growth was to be integrated with residential areas, providing inhabitants with a high quality of life. However, there were problems.
One of these problems was the lack of sufficient funding. This led to many of the plans being scaled back considerably or abandoned altogether. Additionally, it proved to be challenging to integrate the new developments with the existing towns of Lurgan and Portadown, as many of the residents of these towns were resistant to these changes being imposed on them. Furthermore, the political instability of the time hampered progress.
Craigavon was not immune to the violence and unrest of the time. Known as "The Troubles," this period of conflict in Northern Ireland lasted from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. Craigavon experienced its share of violence, tension, and sectarian strife. Its mixed Catholic and Protestant population was often divided, with frequent clashes. The Troubles left deep scars on the community, influencing and shaping its development in the following decades.
Residual effects from The Troubles still impact the community, particularly in mental health issues, social divisions, and ongoing legal challenges. Additionally, the conflict has had long-term economic effects, with some areas experiencing slower economic development due to the instability and violence.
Nevertheless, Craigavon is home to several major employers and industries today, particularly manufacturing and retail. Significant healing has occurred.
Craigavon is home to several churches that cater to various denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, Methodists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Evangelicals, and other Christian denominations and non-denominational churches. The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency reports that just under 46% of the town's residents identify as Catholic, while just over 48% describe themselves as Protestant and other Christian faiths.
Geographically, Craigavon is situated in County Armagh, between Lurgan and Portadown. The town is twenty-four miles south-west of Belfast, and benefits from reliable transportation links.
Craigavon includes Catholic and Controlled schools, the latter managed and funded by the Education Authority, including some religiously integrated ones.
Online resources for government entities, businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, libraries, museums, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, sports and recreational programmes, attractions, and events in Craigavon are appropriate for this category.
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Formed in 1967, the Craigavon Historical Society is a cross-community group whose objective is to preserve the history of the Craigavon area, including the towns of Lurgan and Portadown and the surrounding villages. The Society focuses on documenting and preserving the history of the area, including historical town trails, archaeological excavations, and community projects. The organisation publishes the biennial journal called "Review," which alo publishes booklets and other materials.
http://www.craigavonhistoricalsociety.org.uk/
Located along Logan Drive, Lurgan, Craigavon, Craigavon TV Service Centre is Ireland's largest television repair centre. In business for more than forty years, the centre provides expert repair services for customers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, working directly with TV manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, and Philips. The centre is approved by leading TV manufacturers and is the repair agent of choice for many retailers. Contacts are provided.
https://craigavon.tv/
Galen Limited is a privately-owned pharmaceutical company established in 1968, with its global headquarters in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. Galen is part of the Almac Group, which is owned by the McClay Foundation and focuses on pharmaceutical sales and marketing, with commercial operations based in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. Its global reach, specialist services, and health products are featured. Contacts, products, and a blog are included.
https://galen-pharma.com/
McGaffin Mechanical Limited is an established plumbing and heating service provider in Northern Ireland. The company specialises in the installation and maintenance of domestic heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. Its key services include gas and oil boiler servicing, oil to gas conversions, cavity wall and loft insulations, plumbing services, and electrical services. Its location, contacts, services, and career opportunities are featured, along with a blog.
https://www.mcgaffinmechanical.com/
Situated on Bridge Street, Superglaze is a leading supplier of windows, doors, and glazing in Northern Ireland. The business offers a wide range of products and services, including uPVC windows, aluminum windows, composite doors, French doors, shower screens, splashbacks, and replacement glass. Its address, telephone numbers, email address, and business hours are posted on its website, which includes an online contact form. Its products and services are highlighted.
https://www.superglaze.org/
