Armagh and Down are to receive over £3.6 million to counter deprivation, a government announcement has revealed.

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie announced the plans on Monday morning, speaking at the opening of the Drumarg Community house in Lurgan.

She said: “One of the key factors in successfully tackling deprivation and assisting regeneration is through a partnership approach involving the public, private and community sectors.

“I recognise the important role which the community sector has to play as an equal partner in this process and I am committed to ensuring that local people have the capacity to contribute to the decision-making process.”

The minister’s visit also included a viewing of a multi purpose games area, one of three such facilities being developed in Lurgan at a value of £385,000.

Ms Ritchie further announced a new push to increase employment by offering call centre training projects for the unemployed. She said: “Call centres offer flexible working conditions which suit a wide range of people. This project will provide opportunities for unemployed people to access employment in this ever growing sector. These projects are part of a package of measures for the Southern Neighbourhood Renewal Area which amount to around £3.6million in the current financial year.

“This is a clear indication of my determination to tackle inequalities and improve the lifetime opportunities of those living in deprived communities,” she said.

(DW/KMcA)