The suite will provide opportunities for all sections of the local community to learn IT skills and to enjoy the benefits of modern computer equipment and broadband internet access. Two local primary schools, St Mary’s and Cumber Claudy, will also have access to these facilities to host cross-community IT events. The Department contributed nearly £38,000 to the project through its Modernisation Fund.
Margaret Ritchie said: "What I want to see is the most modern equipment and technology to make community based initiatives more effective. I welcome the Learmount Community Centre IT project achieving this aim through funding from the Department’s Modernisation Fund.
"The project will enable local people to have better access to internet learning opportunities and the benefit of modern technology. The fund is about providing support to organisations throughout Northern Ireland, enabling them to deliver better services to their local communities."
The Learmount Community Development Group anticipates that the new IT facility will become self-sufficient within approximately 12 months from income raised through the:
- hire of facilities to other organisations;
- internet café revenue; and
- hire charges (at minimum rates) to target groups.
Notes to editors:
- Funding for this project is being provided from DSD’s Modernisation Fund. This programme is contributing £37,597 to the Learmount Community Development Group.
- The Modernisation Fund is a £15million capital programme which aims to support voluntary and community organisations to modernise, enabling 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.
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
