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Ritchie taps into Kilkeel dance studio

Monday, 22 March 2010

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today officially opened a new dance studio in Ballinran, Kilkeel.

The dance studio, funded through the Department’s Modernisation Fund Capital Programme, is a multi purpose hall extension at the Bracken Centre project. Delivered by Ballinran Community Association, the new hall will aim to bring many forms of social activities and dancing to the local area in a safe and sociable atmosphere.

Margaret Ritchie said: “The Bracken Centre dance studio and hall will encourage safe recreation and help promote the health and well-being of people in this isolated rural area in South Down. Rural communities often miss out on things that many take for granted. It is, therefore, commendable to see the work that Ballinran Community Association has done to bring this and other amenities to the local community.

“I want to target resources in a way that has maximum impact and I welcome that the aims of the Modernisation Programme are being achieved in practical terms as demonstrated here today. It is encouraging to see organisations grow and develop.”

The Department provided £45,000 through its Modernisation Fund for the Bracken Centre multi-purpose extension and new IT equipment.

Notes to editors:

  1. The objective of the Modernisation Fund is to support voluntary and community organisations to modernise to enable them to become more sustainable and deliver new and better services in an era of change. The capital programme will encourage collaboration and resource sharing among voluntary and community groups and will be managed across the schemes making up the programme.
  2. The Ballinran Community Association developed the Bracken Centre with funding from the International Fund for Ireland, Rural Development, Newry & Mourne District Council and with community contributions.
  3. Media enquiries to Simon Stuart on 028 9082 9496 or 07920 186639. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.