Minister Ritchie illuminates sports facility for downpatrick youths

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie officially switched on the new floodlights at the grounds of the Russell Gaelic Union in Downpatrick today.

The new floodlights will enable the Club to provide enhanced and extended sporting activities for those in the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

The Minister said: “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. Those involved in sporting organisations are more inclined to be prepared to give up their time to be involved in volunteer activities.

“Sporting groups provide a structure for many young people who otherwise may have very little positive influence in their lives. They therefore play a very important role in helping to create a community spirit, introduce discipline and reduce the potential for youths to become involved in anti social behaviour.”

The floodlights were installed at a cost of £145,000 with funding of £45,000 provided by the Department for Social Development through its Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

The Minister went on to say: “This project is part of a programme of schemes which I have approved for the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area in the last 12 months. It brings the total allocated to projects in Downpatrick to just under £2million. This, I hope, clearly demonstrates my commitment towards tackling deprivation in this area.”

The Chairman of Russell Gaelic Union, Colm McNeill welcomed the new facility. He said: “This Club has been involved in a major expansion over the past number of years and in that time has provided, among other things, improved juvenile facilities and a running track. These new floodlights will allow us to extend our sporting activities and widen our appeal thus encouraging more residents from the Neighbourhood Renewal Area to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

Notes to Editors:

1. 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.

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.