Ritchie brings sporting boost to Armagh

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA today officially opened a new £275,000 playing field at Cathedral Road, Armagh.

The Minister was joined by the Mayor, Councillor Noel Sheridan and members of the Armagh Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership who jointly funded the project

The project involved the replacement of an outdated and poor quality tarmac/shale facility with a state of the art third generation playing surface constructed to modern day standards.

Margaret Ritchie said: “These play facilities will be a big boost for children of all ages in the area. I am delighted to help encourage local young people to play in a safe area while at the same time enhancing their health and well-being. This is an excellent example of central and local government working together to deliver benefits for the community.

“This project also highlights my commitment to the Cathedral Road complex, adding to previous projects extending community facilities here.”

The Minister also met a number of young people who had benefited from an earlier scheme providing sports gear and equipment for a range of sporting organisations operating within the Armagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

Margaret Ritchie continued; “Sporting organisations play a major, and in many cases unsung role, helping our communities to grow. Through their activities they help to foster a culture of community involvement and volunteering. They generate a sense of pride and identity within the areas in which they operate, and introduce discipline within the young people with whom they engage.”

The Minister concluded by paying tribute to the Armagh Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Board who endorsed the project in their Action Plan for regenerating the area.

Notes to Editors:

1. The scheme was designed by Sports Lab Limited, a professional services company providing excellence in the design, procurement and testing of sports facilities and their surfaces and the work was carried out by Fox Contractors from Co.Tyrone.
2. The project was jointly funded by a contribution of £175,000 from the department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund and £100,000 from Armagh City and District council.
3. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.