The Stormont Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland has welcomed community representatives to the official opening of the recently extended Omagh Community House.

The community building received almost £300,000 from the Department for Social Development's (DSD) Modernisation Fund Capital Programme to significantly increase capacity and facilities for its 13 partner organisations.

Speaking at the official opening Minister McCausland stated: "The extension to Omagh Community House and the new facilities on offer can only benefit the partner organisations and the communities which they serve. The Modernisation Fund has been successful in improving services and in bringing about much needed change within the voluntary and community sector."

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Omagh Community House was successful in applying to the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme for funding of £299,487 for the purchase and fit out of additional space in their premises on Drumragh Avenue. There are four additional offices, a training room and a meeting room. A video conferencing suite supported by the World Bank has been housed in the new offices.

The Minister continued: "It is significant that the Community House was established after the Omagh Bomb in August 1998. It is fitting that this project has emerged as a shining example of genuine cross community partnership and a willingness to work together to improve the lives of all of the people of this town and its surrounding areas."

(GK/BMcC)