Work has officially begun on a state-of-the-art new health and community hub at Thomas Clarkes Gaelic Football Club Dungannon.

A sod-turning ceremony was held to mark the beginning of construction on the new project.

Speaking after the ceremony, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "I am delighted that my Department is in a position to provide Neighbourhood Renewal funding of £973k for this important and much needed Health and Community Hub at Thomas Clarkes GFC Dungannon. 

"Today marks another step towards providing a state of the art facility for the local community in Dungannon. The delivery of the project demonstrates the importance of working together with our partners including the club, who are investing £304k, the Coalisland and Dungannon Neighbourhood Partnership and Mid Ulster District Council.

"My Department's strategic objectives include helping develop local communities, building capacity and confidence while also improving the quality of life in the local area. This new facility will enhance the infrastructure, providing a safe, modern space for community based activities that will contribute to improved health and wellbeing across the Dungannon area."

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The Department for Communities has provided almost £1 million Neighbourhood Renewal Funding for the project.

The new hub will help to develop economic activity in a deprived neighbourhood, improve social conditions through better co-ordinated provision of a range of community-based activities and initiatives, and it will help to create an attractive, safe and sustainable environment in the locality through the physical regeneration and renewal of the area.

Chairman of Thomas Clarkes, John McNulty commented: "The construction of this new community hub at Dungannon Clarkes will be transformational for the local community. The new, state of the art modern and inclusive building will cater for so many groups including footballers, hurlers, musicians, dancers, community groups and schools. Currently the building is unfit for purpose hence the local community is restricted in its ability to meet, nurture and develop. 

"We are so much looking forward to harnessing the potential we have ahead and are so grateful to the Department for Communities and Mid Ulster District Council in their support for the project without whom the hub would not be feasible. I would also like thank all within the local Dungannon community and wider afield who have helped make this happen through their continuous support and drive for an improved and better quality of life for us all."