First Minister Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA today officially opened the Davey Village residential facility at the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle.

The £1.85 million Davey Village is named after the founder of Corrymeela Ray Davey and his wife Kathleen. The international Fund for Ireland provided £1.25 million through

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its Leaving a Legacy Programme, the Fitzpatrick Hotels Group contributed £98,763 and the remainder of the funding was raised by the Corrymeela Community.

Speaking at the event the First Minister paid tribute to the founder of the Corrymeela Community, the Reverend Ray Davey.

The First Minister said: "The development of this £1.85 million village is a very welcome achievement and is a tangible outcome of the Reverend Davey’s vision which

has been brought to reality here in Corrymeela.

"For many years Corrymeela has played an important role in embracing difference, healing division and enabling reconciliation. I am confident that this community will

continue its vital work and continue to build on the peace that has been achieved."

(CD/GK)