Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie has announced a further funding boost aimed at tackling deprivation in the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

Announcing the funding of over £440,000 which will be used to upgrade footways and carriageways in a number of estates within the Newry Neighbourhood Area and also to extend the existing Greater Linenhall Community House, the Minister said: "Since becoming Minister for Social Development I have made it clear that my number one priority is to champion the cause of the vulnerable and deprived in our society and I have backed this commitment up with action. To date my Department has provided funding of almost £850,000 for a series of major projects to refurbish playgrounds and provide enhanced Community House facilities in Newry City. Today's announcement represents a further investment of £440,000 bringing that total to almost £1.3 million."

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The Minister concluded: "Physical renewal schemes are a very important part of Neighbourhood Renewal as they improve significantly the quality of life for those living in deprived areas. However Neighbourhood Renewal also covers issues such as low educational attainment and lack of employment opportunities and over the next few months I hope to announce funding for a further programme of measures to address these issues."

(JM)