27 June 2005
NEW SPORTS FACILITY OPENS IN SHANTALLOW
Derry’s Shantallow estate has got a new multi-use games area thanks to £97,000 from the Department for Social Development.
The money, from the Local Community Fund, has transformed the former wasteland into an all weather sports facility incorporating three tennis courts, two basketball courts and a five-a-side soccer pitch. It has also created an open green play area and there are plans to develop a small secure play park for younger children.
Social Development Minister David Hanson said: "Since it was established in 2003 the Local Community Fund has helped local people to participate more in decisions about what happens in their community, it has encouraged the development of new skills and has helped to buildgreater confidence in neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland.
"The development of this multi-use games area at the heart of the Shantallow Estate has already had a number of positive outcomes, improving community confidence, encouraging partnership between the Residents Association, Derry City Council and the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership and helping local people to improve their environment and quality of life.
"The games area is a great asset which I understand is already being used widely and enjoyed by the residents of Shantallow, Steelstown Primary School, Naiscoil Cholmcille and Foyle Harps. I am pleased to hear that a summer scheme for young people is planned with the Council and Shantallow East Children’s Support Group.
"I grew up on a housing estate so I know the difference that an amenity like this can make. I hope that it will be managed and maintained to a high standard for future generations to enjoy."
The total cost of the new games area was £106,000 with the remainder of the funding being provided by Derry City Council.
Shantallow East consistently ranks in the top 10% most deprived wards in Northern Ireland. It was allocated £108k from the Local Community Fund last month and has already benefited from almost £200k since 2003 for a variety of projects including leadership training, health checks and awareness sessions, equipment for Foyle harps YFC and Shantallow Area Women’s Forum and computer equipment.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Children from Steelstown Primary School will demonstrate a range of sports activities at the launch.
- The £3m per annum Local Community Fund was launched by the Department for Social Development in February 2003. Its aim is to improve capacity and leadership in 48 disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland.
- It is administered in Derry by Derry Local Strategy Partnership.
- Further information on the Local Community Fund is 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.
- For media enquiries please contact Dara Cosgrove on 028 9082 9078.
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