Over £500,000 has been invested in community renewal projects in Newry since January, the Social Development Minister has said.

Margaret Ritchie said her department's funding contributed to projects including the provision of sports, music and arts equipment for community groups.

Government investment also saw the completion of a new community/education facility at St Malachy’s Primary School, Martin’s Lane.

Roads and footways in Mourneview Park, Derrybeg, Carnagat, Barcroft and Drumalane the area were upgraded as part of the scheme, with new fencing erected at the Derrybeg football pitch.

"These projects represent a major investment in the communities in the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Area," said Ms Ritchie.

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"They span the spectrum of environmental, social and community renewal and will serve as a vital means of developing a sense of community identity and pride and helping to create safer more attractive neighbourhoods where residents will want to live and bring up their families," she said.

The projects will provide, among other things, materials and equipment to enable community groups to provide a wide range of activities for people of all ages and will also facilitate adult learning programmes to take place in a community setting.

During the current financial year the Department for Social Development approved 15 projects at a total value of £1.17million in the Neighbourhood Renewal Area and a similar programme of work has been identified for the incoming year.

"This is a clear demonstration of my commitment to tackling disadvantage in the area. I would like to pay tribute to all those involved in making these projects happen, particularly the Newry Neighbourhood Partnership who had identified the need for the schemes in its Vision Framework and Action Plan for regenerating the area," added the Minister.

(PR/BMcC)