Rural Development Michelle O'Neill has officially opened St Joseph's GAC Craigbane with its new purpose built indoor youth recreation/multi-use community facility.

The Club received funding from the Rural Development Programme (RDP) amounting to £223,300 to build the facility to serve the communities of Park and Craigbane.

The Minister said: "Projects like this recreation/multi-use community facility are contributing to the cohesion of the wider rural society through the provision of jobs in a challenging economic environment, and the completed project provides a facility for use by all sections of the local rural community.

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"The Club has been providing recreational and community activity at Pairc Gheraroid Ui Chrosain since 1992 and this development will increase the recreational activity available within the rural area of Park and Craigbane. There is no doubt in my mind that the high level of dedication and organisation from voluntary members that exist within the GAA at Club level has enabled this project to be completed successfully."

The Club was awarded the funding by Assisting Rural Communities North-West (ARC NW).

The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and over this period is worth £500 million to the north.

(CD)