DSD Swings Into Action To Revamp Newry Play Parks

12 September 2006
DSD SWINGS INTO ACTION TO REVAMP NEWRY PLAY PARKS
Three playparks in Newry's Greater Linenhall and Derrybeg areas are set to benefit from a Ł276,550 investment by the Department for Social Development (DSD).
The funding has been provided under the government's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. In partnership with Newry and Mourne District Council, DSD will replace the tired and damaged play equipment in the parks at Mourneview Park and Emmet Street with modern swings, slides and roundabouts and child friendly surfaces. The funding will also help make these two parks safer for local children by removing the old walls and railings, and replacing them with modern high mesh fencing and new pedestrian access gates. At Derrybeg the money will be used to build a new play area.
Social Development Minister David Hanson said: "Children are key to the future of vibrant neighbourhoods, and the Government has long recognised that play is an important part of growing up, providing children with essential inter-personal and communication skills.
"By supporting the redevelopment of these three parks, we hope to provide future generations of local children in Newry with modern, safe and secure play parks in which to grow and learn."
The Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council welcomed the plans: "I am delighted that Newry City has attracted this substantial funding for recreation and play development.
"I would specifically like to congratulate Greater Linenhall Square and Derrybeg Community Associations who have committed substantial time and effort, on a voluntary basis, to ensure that these bids were successful and that their respective environments would be greatly enhanced as a result of this grant aid."
Work began yesterday and it is hoped the parks will be open for business by Christmas.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. A total of Ł276,551 has been awarded to Greater Linenhall and Derrybeg Community Associations and Newry & Mourne District Council for the redevelopment of play parks at Mourneview Park, Newry (Ł89,809), Emmet Street, Newry (Ł64,038) and Derrybeg, Newry (Ł122,704). The funding will provide safety surfacing, new play equipment, seats, new fencing, lockable access gates and will ensure the parks are DDA compliant.
2. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
3. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:

Community Renewal - to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.

Economic Renewal - to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.

Social Renewal - to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.

Physical Renewal - to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

4. The revamped parks will be maintained by the Council, and will be operated on a daily basis by Greater Linenhall and Derrybeg Community Associations
5. Architect for the projects is R Robinson & Sons Ltd and the contractors are Crawford Contracts.
6. For further information, contact the DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496.

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