New hall opens in Annsborough

New hall opens in Annsborough

27 May 2015

A NEW £270,000 community hall in Annsborough has been officially opened by Stormont minister Michelle O’Neill.

The agriculture and rural development minister was in the village last week and said the opening of the new cross-community facility illustrates how local people can make local decisions to benefit their areas.

The Annsborough Community Forum completed the ambitious £270,000 project to design and develop a community space to cater for the needs of the rural community, and the new building is set to play a key role at the heart of the village.

Finance for the project was provided by the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Programme and the Ulster Wildlife Trust’s landfill communities fund, alongside investment from the former Down Council and the Housing Executive.

Ms. O’Neill, who was joined by community representatives, South Down MLAs and Newry, Mourne and Down councillors for the official opening, congratulated the Annsborough Community Forum on the completion of “this very impressive project.”

She explained the £100,000 funding provided by her department’s rural development programme, delivered via the Down Rural Area Partnership Local Action Group and Joint Council Committee, has been an important resource in bringing this project to fruition.

“This project demonstrates what the rural development programme is all about, allowing local people in rural areas to make local decisions which will improve lifestyles and services for their local community. I am delighted you have been able to avail of this funding opportunity,” said the Minister.

Commenting on the progress of the new rural development programme, Ms. O’Neill said she anticipates approval from the European Commission later this year.

“I intend to ensure the new programme will build on the many successes of the current one which is drawing to a close and will continue to provide support to the development and success of rural communities and businesses, becoming the catalyst and inspiration for rural dwellers to become proactive in bringing their ideas to fruition, said the Minister.

She added: “I look forward to the realisation of many more projects in the coming years under the next rural development programme.”

A total of £70m has been allocated for the new programme which will focus on rural business

investment, rural tourism and rural broadband. The rural business scheme will support the creation and development of non-agricultural businesses, including farm diversification, micro and small businesses, focusing on job creation.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, Seán Rogers MLA and councillor Patrick Clarke have welcomed the opening of the new community hall and highlighted the important role it will play.

Miss Ritchie described the new hall as an “important and vital resource for a vibrant local community” with the hall able to accommodate many activities for young people, families, other individuals and senior citizens.  

She continued: “At the official opening we witnessed a sample of the excellent local musical and dancing talent from many of the young people under the direction of well known acclaimed local singer, Andrea Rice from Drumaness.

“I hope this new hall which, was promoted by the hard working volunteers in Annsborough Community Forum, will be fully used by all within the village and its environs. Congratulations and commendations to all those involved.”

Mr Rogers said the people of Annsborough should “rightfully be very proud of this significant achievement,” adding: “The many local people who stepped forward to play a role in making this community building a reality have served their community well and generations to come will benefit from their efforts. For this they must be congratulated.”   

Councillor Clarke said the completion of the £270,000 project was a credit to the people of Annsborough and those who played a key role in delivering the new hall.

He added: “I’d like to commend Annsborough Community Forum on completion of this very impressive project given the many obstacles, setbacks and delays this group of committed volunteers overcame. They have provided a shared space facility for the betterment of residents in Annsborough and surrounding area.”