Ritchie views progress of Dunsford renovations

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today visited the Old National Schoolhouse in Dunsford, to view ongoing refurbishment.

The 170 year old former school house is being transformed into a Cross Community Resource Centre through a refurbishment and extension project. The Department for Social Development’s Modernisation Fund is providing £94,248 to bring the property back into use after closing its doors over a decade ago.

The new Dunsford Cross Community Resource Centre will provide a multi purpose facility for the use of all age groups within the Dunsford and Ardglass areas.

Margaret Ritchie said: "The renovation of this beautiful old schoolhouse will not only preserve an historic building, but also deliver vital services to the local community. The new facility will provide a much needed centre for community activity, offering educational and recreational outlets for all age groups.

"This project is an excellent example of harnessing the strength of the voluntary and community sector in a practical way for the benefit of all of the people living in the area. The investment of almost £95,000 will promote growth for the organisations within the Dunsford and Ardglass communities and ensure this building continues to play its part in enhancing the life chances of people living here for years to come. I look forward to seeing the work here completed in the near future."

Notes to editors:

1. The objective of the Modernisation Fund is to support voluntary and community organisations to modernise to enable them to become more sustainable and deliver new and better services in an era of change. The capital programme will encourage collaboration and resource sharing among voluntary and community groups and will be managed across the schemes making up the programme.
2. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496 / 07920 186 639. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.