These works represent one of seven community projects to have benefited from capital investment through the PEACE IV Youth Focused Shared Spaces Programme. The programme, worth up to £500,000 has been significant in bringing young people together from different community backgrounds and building positive sustainable relationships within, and between, communities.
Speaking at the official opening, Councillor Errol Thompson, Chair, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to support this PEACE IV funded project. The extension to Kinawley Community Centre will create additional storage facilities for its members and also encourage new users and citizens to come together from all community backgrounds to form lasting friendships in a safe and shared space through a range of sporting activities and community initiatives. It is important not to underestimate the value of a programme like this and the legacy it leaves in helping us all move towards a more inclusive, cohesive society.
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"I congratulate the local community for their commitment and hard work on completion of this project and I wish to acknowledge support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Fermanagh Trust on phase 1 and phase 2 of their larger capital programme. I look forward to attending further project launches and witnessing first-hand how PEACE IV funding has made a positive and lasting impact on our communities."
This programme is one of 16 projects included in the Local Action Plan for the district being administered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and funded under the EU's PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding for the Action Plan was provided by The Executive Office, Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, Republic of Ireland.
Roisin Smyth of the Kinawley Community Centre added: "The new extension is a huge boost for our centre in terms of expanding our activities and bringing local communities together to deliver a wider range of new initiatives to include health, well-being and cultural activities. We are delighted with the outcome of the work which we were able to complete through PEACE IV funding and grateful for the support received from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACE IV Partnership. We believe that making small improvements to enhance our facilities is the foundation for a better future for the local community."
