The minister was given a tour of the Irish Street Community Association facilities in the Waterside which includes a Multi-Use Games Area and later visited the Pennyburn Inclusive Playtrail in the Cityside to view this unique play, recreation and leisure facility.
The minister also met with members of the four Neighbourhood Partnerships in Derry and expressed her appreciation of their support and the good work they are doing to help tackle deprivation.
The minister said: “I am delighted to see for myself that Neighbourhood Renewal is making a real difference in Derry. Today in Irish Street and at the Playtrail I have seen great examples of what can be achieved when government, statutory bodies and other organisations work in partnership with the local community. These projects are making a real difference to the lives of local people.”
The minister reaffirmed her commitment to drive Neighbourhood Renewal forward but went on to stress the need for all statutory organisations to play their part in the delivery of key services. She said: “I am dedicated to ensuring that people in deprived areas have the same chances and opportunities as everyone else in society. However, it is imperative that all government departments fulfil their responsibilities and contribute to ending inequality and deprivation.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Irish Street Multi-Use Games Area was funded through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund (£48,844), PEACE II - MEASURE 2.11 (£74,404), Local Community Fund (£19,322 and Derry City Council (£12,589).
2. DSD provided funding of £65,000 from the Executive Programme Funds to develop an Adventure Playground at the Pennyburn Inclusive Playtrail. In addition the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund has provided funding of £28,805 for the project manager and costs. Further funding up to three years from April 2008 is currently being considered.
3. 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. Its objectives include:
• 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.
4. Neighbourhood Renewal Areas have been created in the urban areas shown in the official deprivation measures to be among the most disadvantaged 10% of areas in Northern Ireland.
5. 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
