Social Development Minister visits Ballybeen

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie was in Ballybeen today to meet with two local groups working to improve the quality of life for the residents and community of Ballybeen.

Ms Ritchie commented: “I am very encouraged by what I have heard and seen in Ballybeen today. Although challenges remain, Ballybeen Improvement Group and their affiliated organisations, with their bank of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, are to be congratulated for their efforts to deliver improvements to the area. This has been achieved through their constructive work with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the local Council. I was also impressed with my tour of the Women’s Centre and congratulate them on the high quality services they deliver”

In listening to the progress that has been made to date within the area and the opportunities that lie ahead, Ms Ritchie added that she was confident that her Department, through the Areas at Risk Pilot Programme would able to help address some of the issues outlined during the meetings.

Concluding Ms Ritchie stated: “The Areas at Risk Pilot Programme is a positive, much-needed programme that is helping to create stronger, more vibrant and cohesive communities and I am looking forward to a return visit to Ballybeen to see the impact this programme has had upon the community.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Phase II of the Areas at Risk Pilot Programme was announced on 13 November 2007.
2. The second phase of the programme includes: Lower Whitewell, (North Belfast), Ballybeen, (Dundonald), Gilford, (Banbridge), Annadale, (South Belfast), Scrabo, (Newtownards), Killicomaine, (Portadown), Alexander/Lisanally, (Armagh), Ashfield Gardens, (Fintona), Seymour Hill, (Dunmurry), Craigyhill and Antiville, (Larne), Harryville, (Ballymena) and Caw/Nelson Drive and Lincoln Courts, (Derry/Londonderry).
3. The ‘Areas at Risk Pilot Programme’ (AaR) was launched in June 2006 to provide support to communities outside the Noble 10% indicators of most disadvantaged but at risk of economic, social or environmental decline. The programme focuses on building social cohesion within the area; confidence in dealing with neighbouring communities and building a wider sense of belonging.
4. The pilot programme has a budget of £3million over two years.
5. The 9 pilot Areas at Risk identified under phase one are: Sydenham (not previously covered by Neighbourhood Renewal), Taughmonagh (Belfast), Ballynoshollag (Londonderry), Enogh in Limavady (Greystone Road, Enogh Park, Scroggy Close), Dunclug (Ballymena), West Portadown, Rathenraw Estate (Antrim), Dhu Varren/Glenmanus (Portrush).
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