The funding is being used to refurbish the club’s premises at Kilmorey Street in Newry and replace out-of-date equipment. Internet access is also being installed for the first time.
Announcing the funding, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: “Newry and District Gateway Club plays an important role in the community. By offering a range of social, educational and leisure opportunities it is helping local people with disabilities and learning difficulties enjoy a full social life and develop their skills.
“However, the Club’s facilities had become quite outdated, potentially threatening its long term sustainability. I am delighted, therefore, that my Department has been able to help the Club secure its future by investing in this major refurbishment and improvement programme.”
The funding has been provided under Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal strategy. Minister Ritchie added: “The refurbished facilities offered by this project will allow the Newry and District Gateway Club to provide improved services to their members, families and carers. This demonstrates not only my Department’s commitment to tackling deprivation in its present form, but it is also an investment in providing opportunities for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The overall cost of this project (refurbishment of the Newry and District Gateway Club) is around £45,000. To date DSD has funded projects to the value of £794,000 under Neighbourhood Renewal in the Newry area.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
