Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Maoliosa McHugh
MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh has welcomed news that Council has appointed a contractor to deliver two significant play park projects, one at Ballymagroarty and another at Kilfennan.
Both schemes form part of the Social Investment Fund – Invest in Play Project and Council’s Parks Management & Development Programme and have involved a collaborative working partnership between Council, the Executive Office, Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group and Ballymagroarty Community Association
Quinn Automatic Limited from Pomeroy, have been appointed as the principal contractor for both projects following a procurement process, which will see the work at the Kilfennan Park completed at a cost of just under £800,000 and the work at Ballymagroarty Park completed at a cost of just under £900,000.
The contracts are to commence on site this autumn, with completion next year.
Both community projects will benefit those living in the local areas and the wider community as a whole.
The Mayor said: “I am very pleased to announce Council have appointed the contractor, Quinn Automatic Limited for both the Kilfennan and Ballymagroary new play provisions.
“The value of outdoor facilities for our young people is immeasurable and Council is committed to working with communities and funders to help secure high quality play provisions through the city and district to actively encourage children and young people to get involved in play and an active healthy lifestyle.
“The local communities of Kilfennan and Ballymagroarty have worked tirelessly on this project and I would like to commend both communities and the Executive Office for helping to bring these projects forward.
“I would encourage all communities throughout the district to take this as an example of what can happen when you, as a community, work together, alongside council and funders to identify local area needs which can provide such needed facilities.”
A spokesperson for The Executive Office said: “The Executive Office is determined to make a positive difference to people’s lives and build a better, brighter and more prosperous future for all.
“Initiatives like the Invest in Play Project have a real impact on the local areas and are a good example of where we work closely with the local community to create positive changes with the resources available.
“Through projects like this we will not only empower local people but provide the entire community with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.”
Linda Watson, co-ordinator of Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group said: “I am absolutely delighted that many years of hard work have finally paid off and that the contractor has been appointed by council.
“This means that the residents of Caw/Nelson Drive will at long last get the play park and outdoor facilities they deserve.”
Christy Daniels from the Ballymagroarty Community Association said: “This is a much needed and welcome investment for the area. We are in an area of high depravation and lack adequate community facilities for the people of this area.
“The BCA and other community groups have been working tirelessly on this project for many years and it’s great to see the work paying off and the project coming to fruition.
“It will be great to see the community finally have a facility that can be used by everyone.”
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