This investment will significantly improve the current provision of leisure and recreation facilities for children in Derry
Minister Ritchie said: "These facilities will contribute to a healthier lifestyle for our young people and will provide a safe, fun and friendly area that they can all enjoy. I welcome my Department’s investment of some £806,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund towards these very worthwhile projects."
The Department has worked closely in partnership with Derry City Council and the Neighbourhood Partnerships to develop a number of projects including the Bishops Field District Park, the Galliagh Neighbourhood Park and the Glen Playpark.
Derry City Mayor Cllr Paul Fleming welcomed the significant investment in Parks Development Projects stating that: "The level of funding secured from DSD and Council across the four Neighbourhood Renewal Areas is most welcome in regenerating and developing new play and parks provision across the city."
Notes to editors:
- Over £806,000 was invested in the projects by DSD alongside funding of almost £545,000 from Derry City Council.
- 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. Its objectives include:
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. - Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
