News Release Page Title

21 June 2005

NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR LONDONDERRY

A new community centre in Clooney Estate, Londonderry, was officially opened tonight for use by the whole community.

Funding of almost £39,000, from the Department for Social Development’s Local Community Fund, enabled the Clooney Estate Residents’ Association to refurbish and equip accommodation secured from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and to extend their existing community premises.

Speaking at the launch, Tracey McCloskey from DSD’s Voluntary and Community Unit said: "The Clooney Estate Residents’ Association has provided a much needed facility to meet the growing number of the Clooney community who wish to use it, particularly women, children and young people of the area.

"This is an excellent example of how the Local Community Fund can provide practical help and support to communities. The skills acquired by the Committee members, through training programmes and practical experience, and the facilities available for use by all of the community, will clearly make a real and lasting difference to the lives of Clooney residents."

The centre was officially opened by Hugh Hegarty, Co-Chair, Derry Local Strategy Partnership. It was also attended by local councillors, representatives from Waterside Area Partnership, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and local community groups.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The £3million per annum Local Community Fund was launched by the Department for Social Development in February 2003, aimed at improving the capacity and leadership in disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland.

  2. Derry City Council area was allocated almost £1.5million since 2003. It is administered by Derry Local Strategy Partnership Board. Contact Rosalind Young 028 7130 8466.

  3. Further details of the Local Community Fund, which is available in 48 areas throughout Northern Ireland, are available from Tracey McCloskey, Voluntary and Community Unit, Department for Social Development, Level 3, Lighthouse Building, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JB. Telephone (028) 9082 9420.

  4. For media enquiries, please contact Dara Cosgrove, Press Office, Department for Social Development, Tel: (028) 9082 9078.

    Click here to print this press release.