Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, has visited a number of projects in Limavady to view the results of his Department’s £1.2million investment in the area.
His tour included a trip to:
Limavady Wolfhounds GAC to view the new club facilities;
Roe Valley Residents’ Association to talk to staff; and
Limavady town centre to view completed regeneration works and a revitalisation scheme.
Commenting on the investment in the area, Minister Storey said: “The investment from my Department in Limavady across a broad range of areas demonstrates my commitment to supporting communities. It is a great pleasure to visit Limavady today to see at first hand the impact of the investment.”
With funding of £309,000 from the Department for Social Development (DSD), Limavady Wolfhounds GAC have been able to create a state of the art sporting facility, including the development of the current playing fields, gym, changing and showering facilities and additional car parking space.
During his visit the Minister viewed these completed works and said: “The Limavady Wolfhounds GAC facilities were so poor that they were unable to accommodate females or people with disabilities – they are now a fully inclusive, state of the art facility, open to everyone. It is an impressive new facility that I have no doubt will be fully utilised.”
Another community based group to benefit from funding from the Department is the Roe Valley Residents’ Association. The Minister paid a visit to the Association to hear more about their work in addressing issues such as low educational attainment, worklessness, poor health, social isolation, crime and anti-social behaviour. DSD provides funding of £39,893 towards staffing costs.
Following his meeting, the Minister said: “The Roe Valley Residents’ Association delivers programmes which tackle poverty and social exclusion, giving local residents the opportunity to improve their quality of life. The range of services on offer are designed to support the local community and I commend all those involved for the positive contribution they are making.”
During his visit to Limavady, the Minister also took the opportunity to view the recently completed Public Realm Schemes, and enhancements to shop fronts delivered under the Limavady Revitalisation Scheme.
The Minister said: “Investment from my Department of £844,400 to deliver the Public Realm and Revitalisation works on Main Street and Linenhall Street has transformed the town centre, helping to attract new business and making the town more appealing to residents and tourists alike.”
As part of the Public Realm scheme, Main Street and Linenhall Street were fully upgraded including pavements, street lighting, seats, bins, as well as replacing shop fronts, drainpipes and guttering for 23 properties.
The Minister concluded: “It has been a pleasure to see, and hear, at first hand the excellent work being undertaken by my Department and partner organisations and I am sure that the people of Limavady will be able to enjoy the benefits for years to come.”
