MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Elisha McCallion has welcomed over £500,000 investment from the Department for Social Development, for sport, leisure and local facilities for the Strabane area.
Mayor McCallion said the investment was fantastic news for the Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Area and a significant investment in a wide range of play and sport provision that will benefit the entire community.
She said the DSD investment has enabled a series of projects including:
The creation of a new multi-use recreation area at Fountain Street/Patrician Villas, with an investment of £272,000. The development includes a 3G synthetic pitch, floodlighting, play area with wooden equipment including sculptures with slides, ramps and tunnels, and a seating area with picnic tables.
The refurbishment of 4 new female changing rooms, treatment and meeting rooms at Strabane Sigersons GAA, with an investment of £216,393.
The refurbishment of the steps leading from Springhill Park to Fountain Street and other planned environmental improvements within local estates in the Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal area, an investment of £63,000. This work was undertaken by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Mayor McCallion added: “This is another example of successful partnership working, with Council and the Department for Social Development working closely with local community groups to deliver quality facilities that will help promote healthier lifestyles and improve the quality of life for those living in the Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Area.
£I would like to congratulate everyone involved in developing these projects that will enhance and improve the area making it more attractive, functional and accessible.”
Bob Casey, Chairperson of Strabane Sigersons GAA, said: “We greatly welcome this funding from the Department for Social Development and Derry City & Strabane District Council that allowed us to provide proper and adequate changing and toilet facilities for the female club players at Strabane Sigersons GAA, the visiting teams and also the local schools that avail of the use of our grounds for PE classes, school blitzes and sports days.
“When the club constructed its original building in 1996 there were no females within the club playing Gaelic games but nowadays the club have teams at all levels from under 8 through to senior level who will greatly benefit from the use of such and will allow us to attract additional members.”
Rionach Uí Dhaimhín, Chairperson of Fountain Street community development Association (FSCDA) is delighted with the new Patrician Villas facility.
She said: ‘This is a fantastic day for the Head of the Town and this is a facility for every resident of East Ward and the wider community in Strabane District.
“Both the park and the pitch can be used on a daily basis rain or shine and will benefit all age groups. We at Fountain St continue to act as a voluntary lead partner and assist the DCSDC with the management and maintenance of the facility.
“It is a huge undertaking but thankfully we have committed volunteers who are very willing and they must be commended for their continued and sustained commitment.’
Tags: