£450,000 upgrade for Crossmaglen Community Centre
Local councillor Terry Hearty has said that following an extensive community campaign the Community Centre in Crossmaglen has been successful in its bid for renovations.
Speaking to Newry Times, Hearty stated, “Newry & Mourne District Council received confirmation from funding body SOAR that the Department of Rural Development would be making 75% of the necessary funds available for this project.
“I am delighted with this news, especially given the fact that myself and others have been lobbying for this scheme for the past five years.
“Crossmaglen Community Centre is one of the busiest centres operated by Newry & Mourne Council, the demand is so great that currently all groups wishing to avail of the centre are not being facilitated. Hopefully this extension will provide more much needed space which will benefit our whole community.
He added, “I have instructed council officials to meet with user groups as soon as possible to discuss how the renovations will affect them and to make any necessary arrangements. I know that it will mean some disruption in the short term but I believe it will be worth it to have a modern and safe centre for everybody.
Councillor Colman Burns added, “This represents a huge investment by the Department of Rural Development and I take this opportunity to thank DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill for her continued investment in rural areas.
“This project will also provide employment at a time when so many of our young people are being forced to emigrate through lack of job opportunities.”
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