Ritchie opens Newry Community Centre and views Warrenpoint improvements

Newry can look forward to an exciting and innovative future, the Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, said today.

Speaking during a wide-ranging visit to the city, the Minister said:

“Newry is one of the fastest growing and most successful cities in Northern Ireland. My Department has played a key part in its growth through support for major schemes including the Canal Court Hotel, the new bus centre and the health village.

“The city is now well placed to take full advantage of its strategic position with exciting new and innovative projects such as the Albert Basin coming along.

“There have been many positive stories to emerge from Newry in the past decade but it is a sad fact that there are communities that have missed out on the success. We must ensure that this problem is urgently tackled. Already DSD has committed £664,000 through Neighbourhood Renewal to making a difference to the lives of people in the most disadvantaged estates.”

During her visit today, the Minister opened an extension to the Meadow and Armagh Road Community Centre and visited two refurbished play areas which will make a significant contribution to community provision in the city. All three projects have been funded by DSD through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

Speaking at the Community Centre, the Minister said: “The new facilities available in this centre will greatly enhance the opportunities for young people in Newry and help them develop and play an active part in society. This is an excellent example of the Department for Social Development and Newry and Mourne District Council working in partnership with a local community to bring forward a major project.”

The Centre has been extended to provide additional office space and meeting amenities for the Community Association, together with a Youth Room and combined IT Suite for use by young people in the area.

The Minister went on to visit the play areas at Cochron Park and Linenhall Park where she saw the modern play equipment including new swings and slides.

Earlier in the day the Minister visited the Confederation of Community Groups and Carnagat Area Community Association. The Minister paid tribute to those involved in the Neighbourhood Renewal programme pointing out that it is an excellent example of statutory agencies working in close collaboration with the voluntary and community organisations to tackle deprivation on a community basis and deliver real improvements to the quality of life and opportunities for the people living in those communities.

The Minister also took advantage of her visit to Newry to see at first hand the work of the Newry Jobs and Benefits office.

The Minister concluded with a visit to Warrenpoint where a new public realm scheme is nearing completion. The scheme, which cost over £220,000, involves the provision of new high quality paving, together with new street furniture, lighting and planters.

The Minister said: “Warrenpoint is one of the premier seaside resorts in Northern Ireland and this work, which is a continuation of an earlier public realm scheme carried out along the Square, will significantly enhance the seafront area and will also complement the major scheme which was completed along the promenade some years ago. I look forward to coming back at some time in the not too distant future to carry out the official opening ceremony.”

Notes to Editors:

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