Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has announced a number of initiatives whereby local communities will benefit from the transfer of surplus lands currently in council ownership.

To help local communities, Alex Attwood has stepped in to ensure that they benefit from these areas much more quickly with land either leased to them at a nominal rent or sold at an agreed value, without having to follow the usual advertising arrangements. In many cases councils also make substantial recurring savings, providing a much needed easing of costs to the ratepayer in a time of severe financial constraints.

The Newry and Mourne area in particular will receive a significant boost.

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The following will now benefit:

• St Brigid's Boxing Club Derrybeg Newry – renewed lease

• Peador O'Doirnin GAA Club Forkhill – land purchase

• Newtownhamilton Rural Community Association – land purchase

• Newry City Centre Management Partnership Ltd. - car parking for Corry Square Newry – lease

• Derelict site at Castlehill/Castleview Guilford will transfer to Banbridge Council to provide a play facility for children

• Cairndhu Golf Club Larne – land purchase

Mr Attwood said: "I have used DOE powers here to allow councils to either transfer lands or to purchase at an agreed value, streamlining the procedures that they would normally have to follow. The Newry and Mourne area, in particular, will receive a useful boost.

"As a rule, if there is land derelict and it could be used by local councils and local communities for good use, often to leverage additional funding; it is sensible to facilitate this quickly. The examples, particularly the best example of Newry and Mourne, are a pointer towards what can be done when power is used in the right way to help communities. There is a wide range of activities, with substantial benefits for both ratepayers and the wider community."

(CD/JP)