8 August 2002

NIGEL DODDS VISITS BALLYSALLY ESTATE IN COLERAINE

A Coleraine estate, which is to benefit from a £1million investment by the European Union’s Peace II initiative, was visited today by the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds MP, MLA.

The Ballysally neighbourhood is one of 12 disadvantaged areas around Northern Ireland, which are to be targeted by the EU funding package, which aims to tackle the legacy of conflict, reconciliation difficulties and high levels of deprivation.

The Minister was met by the local MP, Gregory Campbell and Councillor Maurice Bradley of the Ballysally Partnership. After talking to residents and touring the area, Mr Dodds said: "It was very informative for me as the Minister responsible for regeneration to see at first hand the conditions at Ballysally and to meet the people who are living there. I am confident that the £1million EU funding package will make a real difference to their lives.

"Ballysally was selected as it is one of the 12 most disadvantaged electoral wards in Northern Ireland. Tackling disadvantage and building communities are key challenges for my department but they can only be achieved when government works with local communities such as Ballysally.

"This money presents an opportunity to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society through the improvement of economic, environmental and social conditions of neighbourhoods suffering the worst effects of the conflict."

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