Ritchie announces funding boost for Omagh’s young people

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today announced a further funding boost of over £140,000 for an educational programme in Omagh.

The funding will help provide extra tuition for children aged from eight to12 years old and a support programme will be provided for the families of Year 11 children preparing for GCSEs.

Margaret Ritchie said: “This programme will help enhance the levels of educational attainment in the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area. I recognise that if we are to tackle the long term spiral of deprivation we must improve the life chances of those living in our most deprived communities. It is vital that all our children, regardless of background are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

The Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership completed an action plan in March 2007 and to date over £1.2million has been committed to the Omagh area from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund. This investment is further evidence of the Department’s commitment to support people living in the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area which includes O’Kane Park, Gallows Hill, Johnston Park, Campsie, Mullaghmore and Strathroy.

Margaret Ritchie said: “Neighbourhood Renewal funding is an excellent means of supporting innovative projects which will make a difference for those living in disadvantaged areas. I believe that we are already making a difference with significant investment. We will continue to focus on supporting key services that are capable of addressing the core causes of deprivation within this area.”

A Neighbourhood Partnership, that includes representation from across the Neighbourhood Renewal Area, has been established to lead in the regeneration of the Omagh area. Twenty one projects have been supported to date under the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund in Omagh.

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. Its objectives include four inter linking 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.

2. The projects which have or are being supported include a range of social, educational, physical and community capacity building projects.

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.