Attwood welcomes opening of Newry Computer Suite

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood MLA today welcomed the opening of a new state of the art computer suite which has been funded by his Department at the Loanda House Community Centre in Newry.

The new facility will provide a suitable venue for local residents to participate in computer classes using the latest technology. The project, which cost just under £10,000, was funded by the Department for Social Development’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

Alex Attwood said: “Loanda House Community Centre already plays an important role as a focus for local community activity, providing a venue for a wide range of activities from youth clubs to adult education classes. This new facility will enable the Barcroft Community Association to extend its services offering computer classes to local residents within a purpose built environment.

“One of the key success factors in bringing about regeneration is working through partnerships involving the public, private and community sectors. I would like to congratulate the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Board for the role which they have played in this regard. I would also like to acknowledge the part played by Newry and Mourne District Council, who developed the project as part of its DSD funded community renewal programme, and the Barcroft Community Association whose members have worked tirelessly to bring about this project.

“To date, the Department for Social Development has invested over £5million on a range of projects in the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Area. This clearly demonstrates my commitment to tackling disadvantage and improving the quality of life for all the residents of the Neighbourhood Renewal Area.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' which was published in June 2003, sets out Government’s proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
2. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:
   a. Community Renewal - to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
   b. Economic Renewal - to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
   c. Social Renewal - to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
   d. Physical Renewal - to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.