Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today announced a funding boost of almost £340,000 for Dungannon Youth Resource Centre.

The funding will be used to carry out a programme of refurbishment works to create a modern and safe community centre.

The works include:

· a new roof system with suspended ceilings;

· refurbishment of the kitchen area, toilets and showers;

· painting inside the building;

· new signage; and

· heating/lighting/alarm upgrades.

Alex Attwood said: “This project will provide real and significant benefits to people in the Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

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"I want to target resources in a way which has maximum impact and I want to work with communities to achieve that. This resource centre at the heart of the community will offer invaluable services to local people.

“I have made it clear that Neighbourhood Renewal funding will be protected over the next four years, indeed I will try to enhance funding. Protecting areas and people in need going forward must not be compromised.”

The project provides social and economic benefits to both the residents of the Neighbourhood Renewal area and the wider Dungannon community. It provides opportunities for volunteering, personal development, capacity building, and engaging with community representatives and young people.

Since the plan’s conception in September 2007, over £1.18million has been committed to the Dungannon area from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

The funding proposals were recommended by the Dungannon Neighbourhood Partnership.

(GK)