A new £630,000 synthetic sports pitch has been officially opened in Derry today, by Northern Ireland Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie.

The pitch, at St Columb’s Park, will enable competitive hockey and football to be played as well as providing training facilities for Gaelic games and rugby.

"Since the pitch was completed in September it has already been the focus for a number of important events including the Irish Football Association’s Grassroots Football Programme; a Priorian's Hockey Club tournament and the Waterside Community Sports Project. Local schools have also made use of the pitch which was provided a much needed facility for both the Waterside and City," Ms Ritchie said.

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"This project will kick-start the wider redevelopment of St Columb's Park as an attractive public space and sports area benefiting local people."

The Department, through the North West Development Office, has provided funding of £500,000 from the Renewing Communities Programme to Derry City Council towards the provision of the pitch.

Mayor of Derry City Council, Alderman Drew Thompson also attended the event and said: "It is great to see many young people enjoying a range of sports and sharing a common interest through sport. This is a significant investment in the city and a first step towards providing greater sporting opportunities in the area and creating new uses for St Columb’s Park."

(JM)