The new facility, which was financed by the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, provides a state of the art play area for the children of the Flying Horse Estate, The Model and The New Model Estates.
Minister McCausland said: “Play is an integral part of children’s development helping build social skills and also promoting active and healthy lifestyles. This new play park will provide a much needed source of fun and enjoyment for young people and families in the area and will also enhance the local environment. I am pleased that my department has been able to fund this very worthwhile project.”
Stressing the importance of addressing the needs of the community through partnership working, Minister McCausland said: “My Department is actively engaged with local communities and service providers, through the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Boards, to help identify and address the many causes of disadvantage. This project, which was only possible thanks to the spirit of co-operation which exists between DSD, the local community and Down District Council is a clear example of how the Neighbourhood Renewal programme is delivering for the residents of the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area.”
Minister McCausland concluded: “This new playground, which was constructed by Crawford Contracts and managed by Down District Council, further improves the facilities available to the residents of this area. It will complement the Ballymote Sports Complex which was opened in 2011. To date DSD has spent just under £3.5million on a range of projects in the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area. This is a clear indication of my commitment to tackling disadvantage and promoting regeneration.”
The Chairman of Down District Council, Councillor Maria McCarthy said: “I welcome this project which provides much needed play facilities for the children of this area. It is another example of DSD, in partnership with Down District Council, helping to regenerate the area to make it a more attractive place to visit, shop, work, live and play.”
