The project, in the grounds of Clan na Gael GAC at Davitt Park, will include the:
- construction of a new multi use games area;
- re-surfacing of the existing pitch; and
- installation of floodlighting.
The project has received funding of £492,832 from the Department for Social Development’s (DSD) Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.
Margaret Ritchie said: "This is a great boost for the Lurgan area. The games area will offer local residents an opportunity to take part in a range of sporting activities in a safe purpose built environment. Sport develops and enriches communities and this project will give local people access to state of the art facilities."
The Minister continued: "There are the obvious advantages in terms of the links between sporting activity and improved health and well being. However, there are many other benefits which impact on the wider community. Organised sport helps to create discipline and a sense of community pride.”
The Minister praised the contribution from Clan na Gael GAC who will accommodate and manage the multi use games area in their grounds and encourage and assist the local community to fully utilise the facilities.
Margaret Ritchie concluded by paying tribute to the Lurgan Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership for their support of the project. She said: "One of the key factors in successfully tackling deprivation and assisting regeneration is through a partnership approach involving the public, private and community sectors. The Department for Social Development has been to the forefront in this regard and in the current financial year schemes to the value of over £1.1million have been advanced in the Lurgan Neighbourhood Renewal Area. This clearly demonstrates my commitment to tackling disadvantage and improving the quality of life for all the residents of the Neighbourhood Renewal Area."
Notes to editors:
1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' which was published in June 2003, sets out Government’s proposals for closing 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 . Media enquiries to DSD Information 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.
