Ministers jointly announce Social Fund Investment in Omagh

First Minister and Finance Minister yesterday announced an investment of over £700,000 to help fund community facilities in Tyrone and Fermanagh.

Launched yesterday in Omagh's Strule Arts Centre, the Community Premises Support project is designed to give greater financial assistance to voluntary groups in improving the infrastructure of community buildings.

Funded by the Northern Ireland Executive’s Social Investment Fund, amounts up to £20,000 will be granted to the groups to assist them in local improvements.

Speaking at the launch the First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I very much welcome the launch of the Social Investment Fund Community Premises Project which means that over £700,000 is now available across the council areas of Omagh, Fermanagh, Strabane and Limavady to improve and upgrade buildings used to provide services for local communities.

“Today’s announcement is tangible evidence of the Executive being able to deliver improved facilities for local people West of the Bann in the very near future and means that community organisations will have the opportunity to become self-sustaining, giving them more scope to provide a wider range of activities." 

Also at the launch was Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir.

The Sinn Fein MLA said: “Today’s announcement represents a significant investment in community infrastructure west of the Bann. In rural areas, local groups play an important role and these facilities provide a range of essential services to their communities.

“The Executive is committed to supporting rural communities through the Community Premises Support project  and the capital projects committed to date will improve over 100 premises including the 26 that this project will deliver.” 

The Northern Ireland Executive has awarded £709,316 to the project which is being  delivered by Fermanagh and Omagh Council.

Maura Hickey, The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens was in attendance as was the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Hilary McClintock. They were joined by Brendan Hegarty, CEO, Fermanagh Omagh District Council and the council's chairperson Councillor Mary Garrity.