17 May 2002
NIGEL DODDS OPENS MAJOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN LONDONDERRY
A £365,000 community resource centre at Tullyally on the outskirts of Londonderry was officially opened by the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds MP MLA, today.
Developed by Tullyally and District Development Group, the project was funded by the European Union’s Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and the Department for Social Development. Jack O’Connor of the Special EU Programmes Body, also attended today’s ceremonies.
The facilities include function and training rooms, a computer suite and crèche and there are plans to add a changing room and fitness suite. The centre is part of a larger complex, developed jointly with the Waterside Development Trust, which includes the Glendermott Valley Business Park.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Minister said: "This is an adventurous project for the Tullyally Group which has worked in partnership with the Waterside Development Trust to produce an innovative complex with the potential to generate up to 100 jobs in the area. Income from the business units will help to fund the group in the future.
"Already we have evidence that this has been money well spent. There has been a marked increase in the use of the advisory services and more than148 young people have registered with the youth club."
Earlier, the Minister officially opened another major community project at Gortfoyle House in Spencer Road, where a former police station has been refurbished to provide a base for Waterside Development Trust.
This £250,000 project was also funded by the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and the Department for Social Development.
The Minister said: "This is a magnificent building which has been transformed to its former glory with the refurbishment and removal of a blast wall. This has made a huge contribution to the ongoing revitalisation of the Spencer Road streetscape.
"The Waterside Development Trust is an integral part of community life and these facilities will allow it to run its business as a professional organisation. The Trust has shown both foresight and determination in taking forward this project."
After attending the ceremonies at the two multi-purpose community projects, Jack O’Connor of the Special EU Programmes Body, said: "The EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation has provided funding of more than £430,000 to both groups. This funding has created the infrastructure to promote peace and reconciliation in areas within the greater Waterside that have been affected by multiple deprivation.
"The facilities now on offer at the two centres will help local residents tackle the social and environmental needs within their communities. The funding will enhance the physical environment of the area and provide much needed local amenities with the purpose of raising the self-confidence and self-esteem of its residents."
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