£900k Funding Announced For South Tyrone

£900,000 funding has been announced for Dungannon and South Tyrone after the local Borough Council unveiled details of a financial package that will provide investment in communities, sports and events over the next 12 months.

The first tranche, totalling £450,000, was awarded at a special event at Ranfurly House in Dungannon and will underpin a wide range of social, voluntary, cultural and sports developments.

The majority, £300,000, comes from a special Community & Voluntary Sector Legacy Fund aimed at delivering positive social change in the Borough. £125,000 was allocated through the Sport and Leisure Capital Development Fund with £25,000 going to support local events through the Strategic Partnership Event Fund.

The Council has also committed another £300,000 of Legacy funding and £150,000 worth of Sports Funding, all of which will open to applications in forthcoming weeks.

The funding will support a range of projects and activities including walking trails and boxing rings; transport for youth activities; development of community buildings; improved facilities for disabled children; solar energy systems and IT equipment.

Mayor Sean McGuigan said: "This funding package is good news for everyone in the Borough and will support a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the Council catchment.

"Community and voluntary organisations make a unique and valuable contribution to the quality of life for people throughout the Borough. The Council is proud of our support for their efforts and has worked closely with them to promote a healthy, peaceful and prosperous region.

"This latest allocation of funding has been carefully considered to maximise short and long-term benefits. It is among the biggest we’ve ever provided and will be among the final investments we make before the new Mid-Ulster Council is established. There is a wave of positive transformation rippling through the Borough and the new council will have a responsibility to sustain that momentum."

Philip Clarke, Community Development Manager, said: "Financial assistance is important but it is only one part of our support for community groups. Equally important are the partnerships that the Council develops with local groups and the advice and guidance we provide. This allocation of funding provides a fitting legacy to this Council and its benefits will be evident for many years to come."

(IT/MH)