McGimpsey confirms commitment to Enler Project

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has confirmed his continued commitment to driving forward the Enler Project in the Ballybeen Estate.

Speaking during an Assembly debate, the Minister firmly rejected claims that his Department had withdrawn support for this important community-based project.

He said: “I wish to state categorically that I very much support the development of the Enler Project which is being commissioned by the Department for Social Development. It is an exciting and innovative project which will bring many benefits to the wider Ballybeen community.

“It is exactly the sort of development I want to see across Northern Ireland - local communities working together to tackle health and social inequalities in a local environment.

“The current position is that my Department has considered the Business Case for the Enler Project and we are now awaiting final approval from the Department of Finance and Personnel. Once I have this, and I know the final outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review, I will be able to take decisions on the allocation of capital funds to projects such as Enler.

“Until DFP has completed its deliberations, I cannot move forward, however I am hopeful that there will be a favourable outcome and that I will be able to make a positive announcement about this project soon.

“I think we all agree that projects such as this, sit at the heart of local communities, bringing together vital services for the young and the old. There is an onus on all stakeholders and interested parties to work together in moving forward swiftly.

"For my part I will continue to make every effort to deliver this project for the community in Ballybeen. I hope that I will be in a position to bring them good news in the very near future.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Enler Project will provide a mixed use modern and accessible building which will include retail units and offices together with a recording studio. The health component is the replacement of the Millar’s Lane day centre, which is past its best and which currently provides for 30 places at the Millar’s Lane site, located on the outskirts of Ballybeen.
2. The business case for the health component of the Enler Project was submitted to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in February 2007. The Department forwarded it to DFP in September 2007.
3. The Enler Project proposals have been under development for some time and the former South and East Belfast Trust were partners in that development.
4. At the beginning the former Trust proposed a contribution of £500,000 which would allow them to be a stakeholder in the new facility. The Trust would then rent the space needed to run a Day Centre for elderly people, thus investing in new and modern services for the elderly in the Ballybeen area.
5. When the new Business Case for the replacement of the Millar’s Lane day centre was developed the capital costs towards the Enler Project had increased significantly from £500,000 to £1.4million.
6. Due to the higher level of funding, the Trust was required to submit the proposals to the Department for approval which in turn had to seek approval from the Department of Finance and Personnel.
7. Since April 2007, the DHSSPS has been working closely with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, which now has responsibility for the health component of this project, to try and progress this scheme as rapidly as possible.
8. The total capital cost of the Enler Project is £3.3million currently comprises - £1.4million from DHSSPS, £1.5million from DSD and £400,000 from the International Fund for Ireland.
9. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0636. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.