Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland MLA has visited the Carnagat Estate in Newry to announce a funding award for the construction of a new 'kickabout' football pitch in the area.

Speaking at the site of the project the Minister said: "I know there has been a demand for a purpose built sports facility in Carnagat for some time now. The funding, which is being announced, will help deliver a state of the art polymetric playing surface suitable for a range of sports, including five a-side football and basketball and I know this news will be a great boost for residents, and in particular young people of the area."

The new facility, which will be constructed at a cost of just over £81,000, will provide a place for local young people to participate in sports activities. The project is being funded with a grant of £73,700 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund and a contribution of £7,700 from Newry and Mourne District Council who will manage the contract and take future responsibility for its maintenance in conjunction with the local community. The land for the scheme was provided by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Work is expected to commence early in the New Year.

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Minister McCausland stressed the importance of addressing the needs of the community by providing local facilities for the participation and development of sport, physical and social activities. He said: "Projects like this contribute greatly to regeneration by encouraging involvement in sport therefore improving health and addressing social exclusion and reducing crime. This project also has the added benefit in that it will help to improve the local environment by enhancing a largely redundant piece of open space."

Nelson McCausland concluded by paying tribute to all those who had worked hard over the years to develop the project. He said: "A key factor in successfully tackling deprivation and regenerating areas is through a partnership approach between local and central government working with the community and voluntary sector. This project is an excellent example of such partnership working. I would commend the local community representatives - Valerie Rooney and Phyllis Kimbley - who have worked closely with Newry and Mourne District Council, the Housing Executive, DSD and the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Board to help develop this project."

(CD/GK)