A £56,000 funding boost has been given towards a multi-use games area at Cloughervan, Bessbrook.
The county Armagh sports facility, which will cost a total of £112,000, will replace an existing grass pitch with a new state of the art facility
Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, announcing the funding boost for sporting enthusiasts at Bessbrook, said: “I know there has been a demand for a purpose built sports facility in Bessbrook for some time now so I’m pleased to be able to make this funding announcement today.
“The support from my Department will allow Newry and Mourne District Council to provide a state of the art facility which will allow young people to take part in a range of sporting activities such as football, basketball and tennis in a safe environment.”
The project, funded from the ‘Areas at Risk’ programme, will replace an existing grass pitch with a new state of the art facility with appropriate lighting to accommodate evening use.
Minister Storey added: “This project will contribute greatly to the regeneration of the area. It will encourage involvement in sport, improve quality of life and health, address social exclusion and help reduce crime levels. It is a further example of my Department working with local councils to provide facilities which will contribute to social, physical and community renewal in an area of disadvantage.”
Newry and Mourne Sinn Féin Councillor Roisin Mulgrew, welcoming the new recreational facility, said: “The local community have lobbied long and hard for this essential recreational facility. I commend them, council officers and all involved with bringing the project to this welcome stage.
“There has been a growing population in the area and I have no doubt the facility will be well used and respected by all.”
Her colleague Assembly Social Development Committee member Mickey Brady MLA said: “This project, has been funded from the ‘Areas at Risk’ programme. It is a welcome boost for the village and will encourage further community initiatives which in partnership with others will help build community cohesion, self esteem, health and well being.”
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