Minister views progress of sports hall

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has viewed the progress of the Ballymote Sports Hall and Youth Facility.

The Minister was attending the open day and celebration of the Ballymote Community and Shopping Centre, which has expanded to include a new community hall and crèche areas to be used by Sure Start and Action for Children.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said: “It is wonderful to see phase one of this project come to completion and view the facilities now on offer to local businesses, parents and children.

“My Department, through the South Eastern Education and Library Board, has contributed £175,000 into phase two of this project – the new Ballymote Sports Hall and Youth Facility.

“As Education Minister I want to ensure that we do everything we can to provide the best possible opportunities and facilities for our young people. I look forward to the completion of the sports and youth facility which I understand is due to open in September.

“This will be another welcome addition to services in the wider Downpatrick area as it will provide a shared community resource, where all sections of the community – young and old, sports people and shoppers, office staff and community workers – can come together.

“That will be the real success of this project, if these facilities can become a hub and thriving part of the community which is shared and enjoyed together.

“This complex represents a joined-up approach to regeneration in the area and to providing additional services to the rural areas around the town of Downpatrick, I therefore wish to congratulate you all on the community spirit required to drive this initiative forward.”

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 02891279207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.