The opening of a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Magilligan Community Centre, situated along Seacoast Road, marks a significant uplift for the local community and its surrounding area.

As part of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, this initiative has brought to life an outdoor games and recreation area featuring an artificial surface. Designed to cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels, this space promises year-round enjoyment, unaffected by weather conditions. Additionally, equipped with floodlights, it ensures accessibility even during the dark winter evenings.

Funded by Council, the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, and the Department for Communities, construction work began on 11 December 2023 and was successfully completed on time and within budget by Kane Contracts Ltd (NI) from Dungannon.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan stated: "This exciting new development will be a major boost for the community in Magilligan and will provide much needed all-weather outdoor recreation space. It also represents a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents. I am very grateful to the Departments for this funding and of course, to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for its financial assistance."

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Minister for Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, said: "My Department through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme continues to work in partnership across central and local government to deliver partnership projects which are helping to regenerate rural villages and town centres.

"The multi-use games area at Magilligan Community Centre is a welcome addition to the area, providing increased opportunities for outdoor recreation which will in turn benefit health and well-being and address issues of loneliness and isolation in the community and surrounding areas."

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA added: "I welcome the opening of this new facility which will provide additional outdoor recreational space to be enjoyed by the local community. The completion of this scheme, as part of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, demonstrates further evidence of how collaboration between my department and colleagues in both DAERA and Council can deliver benefits for all."

Under the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, projects have also been delivered in the settlements of Armoy, Cushendall, Garvagh, Mosside, Greysteel, Kilrea and Rasharkin and more projects are currently underway in Bushmills, Dernaflaw, Dervock, Drumsurn and Gortnaghey to create new and enhanced facilities. All projects will be delivered by the end of March 2025.