9 March 2007
STEELSTOWN GAC READY FOR THROW-IN WITH NEW CLUBHOUSE
Sporting and community facilities in Londonderry’s Greater Shantallow area have received a major boost, following the completion of Steelstown GAC’s new £560,000 clubhouse.
The Department for Social Development’s (DSD) North West Development Office, (NWDO) provided £200,000 towards the overall costs of the project from its Executive Programme Fund (EPF), with the remainder of the funding coming from the Sports Council of Northern Ireland and Steelstown GAC.
The EPF was set up in 2003 in recognition of the particular social, economic and environmental challenges faced by the outer north area of Derry, including weak community infrastructure, youth alienation and health problems. The new Steelstown GAC facilities mark the completion of the EPF initiative, which generated over £4 million investment in a wide variety of projects over the three years.
Welcoming the new amenities, Social Development Minister David Hanson commented: “This new facility will serve a large urban district with a population of over 30,000 people. The construction of the new, modern clubhouse is a fitting complement to the excellent efforts of the Steelstown GAC in providing a positive outlet for the energies of young and old in Shantallow.
“My Department has worked hard over recent years alongside other statutory and community bodies to improve the Outer North; and this is the last project of many to be completed. The main aim of the initiative has been to improve the quality of life and opportunities available for local people, by involving the communities in identifying and designing local solutions to local problems. Its success clearly demonstrates the benefits of such a partnership approach.”
An information leaflet, detailing the EPF programme’s achievements, was launched at the official opening event. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Paddy Cosgrove, Steelstown’s GAC Chairman, added: “The clubhouse and changing facilities are a major achievement for this club which has been completed with grant aid from DSD and the Sports Council, but just as importantly through the hard work and dedication of the membership of the club and committee; a membership which is drawn exclusively from the Shantallow District.”
The clubhouse provides excellent facilities with four changing rooms, a committee room and a large training space for use by its eleven teams, which range from seniors to several thriving youth teams.
Mr Cosgrove continued: “The club wish to thank all the members who have worked so hard in getting this project completed and want to push now to continue their success on the field. In doing this they seek the continued support of existing members but also extend an open invitation to anyone interested in coming to support the club whether as players or in any other voluntary capacity.”
Chairman of the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, Professor Eric Saunders OBE, commented that provision of the new clubhouse and facilities at Steelstown GAC will make a positive contribution to the community:
“The Sports Council for Northern Ireland is dedicated to developing people in sport, especially young people, and providing facilities for people of every age group and ability to be able to participate, enjoy and perform to the very best of their abilities.
The Sports Council recognises that sport and physical activity play an important part in the community. Steelstown GAC was established to address the lack of recreational activities and facilities in the community; and to provide alternative activities for young people. Sport can make a contribution to diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour, and present an opportunity to engage young people in a positive alternative. Steelstown GAC provides a space and an opportunity for the people of the Greater Shantallow area, particularly young people, to come together through sport.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The total cost of the project was £560k, with £225k provided through the Sport Council of Northern Ireland and £200k from the Department for Social Development (DSD). The GAA provided £69k, and Steelstown GAC provided the rest through their own fundraising.
- The Executive Programme Fund for the Outer North brought together DSD, local community groups and other statutory bodies to identify the best projects for the area to tackle the many social, economic and environmental problems facing the Greater Shantallow area.
- Schemes included Neighbourhood Warden Scheme, MOT Health Checks, Crèche for 150 children per week, Out of Hours play park, opening of ten new business units at the Northside Centre.
- Partner organisations included Invest NI, Derry Northside Development Trust, Department for Employment and Learning, Groundwork NI, Shantallow Community Support Group, Galliagh Resident’s Group, Sports Council NI, Greater Shantallow Area Partnership and the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership.
- The Executive Programme Fund Information leaflet can be viewed on the DSD website at www.dsdni.gov.uk/epd.pdf
- Photographs of the launch will be available later at: www.dsdni.gov.uk/steelstown.htm
- Media enquiries only to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468
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