Kilclief celebrating decision to build £100,000 play park

Kilclief celebrating decision to build £100,000 play park

1 February 2017

KILCLIEF residents have welcomed plans for a new play park in the village.

A report drawn up by Newry, Mourne and Down Council recommends a £100,000 play park be constructed at Kilclief and two other local villages — Kilmore and Darragh Cross.

The announcement has been welcomed by Kilclief Residents Association, whose chair has thanked Kilclief Ben Dearg GAC for offering a site for the playground.

Maurice Denvir said co-operation with the club made the difference to the success of the application.

“After assessing three possible sites in the village it was agreed that this was the most suitable as it would add to the facilities already provided by the club,” said Mr Denvir.

Councillor Cadogan Enright said the project has been ongoing since the Residents Association was founded.

“I had legal, leisure and sports development personnel at council work with the village over several years to find a suitable site,” he said. “We got funding last year to tackle the legal side of leasing of a site for the village and the local GAA club has now got us over the line. 

“We have had preplanning meetings with officials in the Planning Service and it looks like this site will meet approval.

“This is an early success for the community planning process with local people having more of a say in the development of their own areas. 

“The Strangford and Kilclief Village Plans have opened the door to a lot of projects in East Down and I am sure the widespread support for the club’s proposals from the whole community and from all parties will be evident in the success of this project when it is submitted for planning shortly.”

Phelim Sharvin, development officer for Kilclief Ben Dearg GAC said said the club is delighted to co-operate with the Residents Association in bringing forward planning for the new play park. 

“This fits with our overall vision of developing the club to serve the whole community locally,” said Mr Savage.

“Following successful pre-planning meetings with Roads Service and planning officials, we will also be bringing forward proposals for a coastal walk around the club grounds allied with a fitness centre accessible by the whole community. This will be part of the club’s plans to expand our facilities following our merger with Ben Dearg Camogie Club last year.”