McCausland visits 50 metre pool site

Sports Minister, Nelson McCausland, today attended the sod cutting ceremony at the site for Northern Ireland’s first 50 metre swimming pool.

Speaking at the event in Bangor the Minister said: “This project marks the first phase of a Major Facilities Development programme. As a regional centre of excellence the complex, which has received nearly £15million of funding from the Northern Ireland Executive, will be a facility to be enjoyed by all the people of Northern Ireland.

The project will go a long way towards addressing our local need for world class sporting facilities and will deliver a sporting infrastructure previously unavailable.”

The Minister continued: “I wish North Down Borough Council every success for the future development and construction of its new Leisure Complex, which will include the 50 metre pool. I look forward to hearing about its progress and to visiting again when the building work is completed.”

Dominic Walsh, Chair of Sport Northern Ireland commented: “Sport Northern Ireland is delighted to see the commencement of this, the first of the major facilities projects designed to create a Northern Ireland legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is our hope that the 2012 Games will act as a catalyst for the development of sport in Northern Ireland. This and other new facilities will increase standards of performance as well as increase sustained levels of participation in sport in Northern Ireland. It is anticipated that, subject to final funding decisions, sports such as cycling, athletics, sailing, basketball, volleyball, and tennis will also benefit from major facilities projects."

In conclusion, the Minister said: “My Department will continue to work in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland, and other organisations, to bring forward other proposals to provide major sporting facilities for the people of Northern Ireland, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Notes to editors:

1. In June 2007 the then Sports Minister, Edwin Poots MLA confirmed North Down Borough Council as the preferred bidder to build Northern Ireland's first 50 metre swimming pool.
2. In March 2006 an Elite Facilities Programme was announced for high priority sports infrastructure projects which would enable winning projects to attract up to 75% of capital costs.
3. The 50 metre pool project is the first phase in the Elite Facilities programme operated by Sport Northern Ireland. Applications to phase two of this programme are currently under consideration by Sport Northern Ireland.
4. North Down Borough Council is to receive up to £15million towards the capital costs of building a 50 metre swimming pool in Bangor.
5. The Pool is part of larger leisure complex development being undertaken by North Down Borough Council.
6. Media enquiries should be addressed to Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office on 028 90515047 or email DCAL Press Office .Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.