A sculpture, marking the completion of the Bellaghy Community Regeneration Improvement Special Programme, has been unveiled.

The bronze life size sculpture is entitled the 'Turfman' and has been created by Scottish artist David Annand as an interpretation of the Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney's literary work 'Digging'.

Bellaghy Development Association commissioned the sculpture as part of a 10 year long community regeneration scheme which included the redevelopment of the old schoolhouse creating workspace units, two commercial premises, community space and three apartments.

The project was funded by the International Fund for Ireland which contributed £270,000 towards the scheme, the Department for Social Development which contributed £270,000 and Magherafelt District Council which granted £50,000.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "This is great news for Bellaghy. The unveiling of this sculpture provides a fitting testament to its proud links with Seamus Heaney.

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"I am pleased by what has been achieved through the partnership of my Department and the Bellaghy community over the past ten years.

"The project, part funded by my Department and the IFI, has helped to revitalise Bellaghy. The redevelopment of the Old School House has provided accommodation for small businesses and created new job opportunities within the local community," she said.

"The environmental improvement works, of which the sculpture forms an integral part, adds interest and focus to the streets in Bellaghy. It will give people a sense of pride in their local area."

Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said: "The redevelopment of the old school house to create workspace units, commercial premises, community space and residential apartments is a fabulous achievement and everybody connected with the Bellaghy Development Association should be very proud of their hard work and dedication in bringing this project to fruition.

"Bellaghy Development Association clearly had a vision to make Bellaghy a place to be proud of and a place where the local community, irrespective of their religious beliefs, could live, work and socialise together."

Councillor Kate McEldowney, Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council said the works had greatly enhanced the entire village both from an environmental and economic development perspective.

She congratulated all the members of the development committee for their foresight, professionalism and devotion to the development throughout the projects life.

Councillor McEldowney added that the standard of this CRISP project would serve as a yardstick for all other development groups to aspire to.

(PR/JM)