Ritchie views progress on £4million Ballymote project

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA visited Downpatrick today to view progress on the £3.9million Ballymote extension project.

The project involves an extension to the existing Ballymote complex and the construction of a separate multi-use sports hall, specifically designed for young people.

Margaret Ritchie said: "The Ballymote extension project is great news for people in the Downpatrick area. It will help create local job opportunities and provide a community hub for everyone to benefit from. The sports complex will provide facilities for people of all ages and encourage participation in various sporting activities to improve their health and well being.

"It is one of my department’s flagship neighbourhood renewal projects which will, when completed, bring about great benefits for the residents of the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area."

The scheme is being funded from a number of sources including the Department for Social Development, Sport Northern Ireland, the International Fund for Ireland, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, South East Education and Library Board and Down District Council, which is managing the project.

The Minister paid tribute to the contractor Bowen Mascott and to local community groups - Ballymote Community Project Ltd, the Flying Horse Community Forum and the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership who worked over a long period of time to make the scheme happen. She continued: "This project is an excellent example of joined up working. It involves local and central Government and their Agencies coming together with communities to bring about real improvements in the quality of life of those in deprived areas. I also welcome the excellent progress being made by the contractor despite the recent period of inclement weather."

The Minister concluded by pointing out that the project is just one of a number of high profile initiatives which are currently being funded by her Department in Downpatrick. She said: "Since becoming Minister, I have made it clear that tackling deprivation and regenerating town centres is at the heart of my agenda and I have been able to back this up with action. To date my Department has approved projects to a value of almost to £2.5million in the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area, levering in a further £3.4million from other funders. This is a clear indication of my determination to help guide the town and its residents through the challenges of the current economic climate.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Ballymote complex is located in the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The complex, which first opened in 1994, currently comprises a community hall, office space and a supermarket, as well as other shops.
2. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07970 976 894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.