Minister visits deprived estate in line for funding boost

Social Development Minister Nigel Dodds has visited a disadvantaged Coleraine estate which is to benefit from a £1 million investment by the European Union’s Peace II initiative.

Mr Dodds visited the Ballysally neighbourhood, which is one of 12 disadvantaged areas around Northern Ireland being targeted by the EU funding package. The package aims to tackle the legacy of conflict, reconciliation difficulties and high levels of deprivation.

The Minister was met by the local MP, Gregory Campbell, and Councillor Maurice Bradley of the Ballysally Partnership.

After talking to residents and touring the area, Mr Dodds said: “It was very informative for me as the Minister responsible for regeneration to see at first hand the conditions at Ballysally and to meet the people who are living there. I am confident that the £1 million EU funding package will make a real difference to their lives.

“Ballysally was selected as it is one of the 12 most disadvantaged electoral wards in Northern Ireland. Tackling disadvantage and building communities are key challenges for my department but they can only be achieved when government works with local communities such as Ballysally."

Mr Dodd's said the money presented an opportunity to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society through the improvement of economic, environmental and social conditions of neighbourhoods suffering the worst effects of the conflict.

(MB)