Press Release

New Grant Is Childs Play For Newbuildings

26th April 2005

An extra thirty thousand pounds grant towards a play area in Primity Crescent has been welcomed by members of the New Buildings and Environmental Association.

The funding was announced at a Special Recreation and Leisure Meeting on the 30th March. The money will be used for Phase 2 of a regeneration scheme to provide more play equipment for children in the area.

Phase One has been funded by Derry City Council, the Rural Development Council and the Newbuildings Community Association.

Congratulating the 'Newbuildings Community Association, Sean Carr, Chairman of Recreation and Leisure at Derry City Council said:

“ No-one should under-estimate the importance of play and Derry City Council is delighted to be able to build on the solid foundations already in place in Primity Crescent.

“ I hope that this investment will give children a safe and peaceful place where they can spend time and really enjoy.”

Allison Wallace from the New Buildings and Environmental Association thanked the Children’s Commission and the Friends of Primity Crescent for their continued support:

“The project success can be attributed to the Friends Group and partnership with Council. On completion of phase 2, the Association aims to launch the regeneration of this green space with a public open day”

By investing another £30,000 in play, it’s hoped young people will have an opportunity to learn through play while staying in a safe, local environment.

Mayor, Councillor Gearoid O hEara says this grant is money well spent:

“ I’m delighted that Primity Crescent at Newbuildings has been awarded an extra thirty thousand pounds for play equipment. This money will make a huge difference to the quality of life for children in the area.

“I’d especially like to congratulate my council colleague, Alderman William Hay, who I know has worked incredibly hard to make sure that this money was secured for Primity Crescent.”

The investment has also been welcomed by groups from across the city.

Maria Herron, from Derry Children's Commission is delighted with the investment:

'Newbuildings Community Association should be commended for its recognition of the importance of play and the need to provide good quality play opportunities to children and young people.'

Colin Kennedy, Landscape Architect said the scheme showed how strong the council’s partnership is with 'Newbuildings Community Association:

‘The development of collaborative partnership between Council and communities enable Council to concentrate resources in building on the success of recently completed projects.

“The importance of building on a successful partnership is essential in ensuring that all parties investment in time and resources is sustained ensuring cleaner, greener and safer play spaces for the community”

***Ends***

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