Announcing the funding of over £440,000 which will be used to upgrade footways and carriageways in a number of estates within the Newry Neighbourhood Area and also to extend the existing Greater Linenhall Community House, the Minister said: “Since becoming Minister for Social Development I have made it clear that my number one priority is to champion the cause of the vulnerable and deprived in our society and I have backed this commitment up with action. To date my Department has provided funding of almost £850,000 for a series of major projects to refurbish playgrounds and provide enhanced Community House facilities in Newry City. Today’s announcement represents a further investment of £440,000 bringing that total to almost £1.3 Million.”
The Minister concluded: “Physical renewal schemes are a very important part of Neighbourhood Renewal as they improve significantly the quality of life for those living in deprived areas. However Neighbourhood Renewal also covers issues such as low educational attainment and lack of employment opportunities and over the next few months I hope to announce funding for a further programme of measures to address these issues.”
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.
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.
