Storey scores with new £85,000 games area for Bessbrook

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, brought a welcome summer boost to the people of Bessbrook today as he officially opened a new £85,000 Multi-Use Games Area.

The new facility has been jointly funded by the Department for Social Development and the former Newry and Mourne District Council, with each providing £42,500.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Storey said: “I know that the residents of Bessbrook have lobbied for many years for a new multi-purpose sports facility and I am delighted to have been able to play my part in helping to deliver this much needed project.

“The people of Bessbrook, and in particular the young people of the area, now have a state of the art facility to play and compete in the sports they enjoy and indeed benefit from the health and social benefits that come from physical activity.”

The new facility can accommodate a range of sports including basketball, football and tennis and is also available for local groups to use. The construction work was undertaken by McAvoy Construction.

Welcoming news of the completion of the project, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie said, “I am delighted that the residents of our District will be able to engage and take part in more sporting activities due to the successful delivery of this exciting project. This facility will help the Council towards achieving one of our key strategic objectives of supporting improved health and wellbeing outcomes and I would encourage all of the local residents to take pride in such a fantastic facility.”

The Minister concluded by paying tribute to all those involved in the project: “This project is another example of how my Department is working in partnership with local statutory and community groups to help improve the quality of live for those living in areas of disadvantage. I hope that the new facility will be enjoyed by all the residents for many years to come.”