Around £39m has been spent by the Northern Ireland Executive on capital investment projects to enhance local sports infrastructure.

NI Sports Minister Nelson McCausland made the announcement as he officially opened the most recent example of that investment, the newly refurnished Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in Newcastle.

The Minister said: "During 2008-10 my Department, through Sport NI, has invested £39million in capital projects to benefit the sports sector in Northern Ireland. This investment is clear evidence that the Executive believes that sport is pivotal, not only to our health and well being but to that of the local economy.

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"This iconic building, which received £5m investment, is a perfect example of how this spend is producing tangible results and emphasises the importance of countryside recreation and sport," he said.

As well as an upgrade to all existing facilities, the centre also has many new facilities that make it a state of the art national centre.

The new centre now includes a purpose built kayaking pool, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, full catering facilities and twin en-suite accommodations.

Minister McCausland concluded: "Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is more than a building. It is an encouragement to delivering sporting and recreational success for Northern Ireland.

"The Centre will act as a gateway to further open up the potential of the Mournes for sport and leisure activities, drawing people from across Northern Ireland and increasing our attraction to overseas visitors."

(NS/BMcc)