McCausland announces £60,000 funding boost for Omagh

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced a £60,000 funding boost for environmental improvements in Omagh.
~ Wednesday, 11 January 2012

The funding, from the Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, will upgrade two open spaces incorporating multi-sport goal ends and seating at Gallows Hill and O’Kane Park as well as providing an upgrade of entrance features at both estates.

It is hoped that this funding through the provision of a space to play will achieve a reduction in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and crime as well as improve the physical appearance of these areas

With a total value of more than £65,245, the project will start during January in partnership with Omagh District Council.

Nelson McCausland said: “This is a good boost for the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The improvements will provide a more attractive environment for local residents and lead to a more pleasing environment, a sense of community identity, leading to a more confident community, with a greater quality of life for those living
in the area.”

Acknowledging the contribution from Omagh District Council and the good work being carried out by the Omagh Neighbourhood Partnership the Minister went on to say: “This announcement is a further demonstration of my Department’s commitment to work in partnership with other Government Departments and Agencies to improve the quality of life for people living in this area of Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area.”

To date, the total amount of money spent on Neighbourhood Renewal in Omagh is over £3.3 million.

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close 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.

• Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
• Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
• 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.
• Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

3. The project has a total value of £57,681 made up of £52,438 from DSD, and £5,243 from Omagh District Council.

4. Media enquiries to DSD Communications 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.