Planners to approve new Saul centre

Planners to approve new Saul centre

SAUL is in line for a major new community and well-being centre.

Planners will recommend at next week’s meeting of Down Council that a proposal by Saul GAC to provide the new facility at St. Patrick’s Road should proceed.

An existing Portacabin at the former St. Patrick’s Primary School will be demolished to pave the way for the new facility which will feature a purpose-built gymnasium and coffee shop. There will also be computer and networking facilities.

Saul GAC officials have been working on the proposed development for some time and hope funding applications they have submitted will be successful.

News that planners are recommending the St. Patrick’s Road scheme should proceed has been welcomed by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie.

She said it was vital that rural communities like Saul and neighbouring Raholp had access to good community and social infrastructure which is being proposed by the local Gaelic Club to allow the community to thrive and prosper.

The MP continued: “With a large and active GAA membership, this extension to the existing facilities is much-needed for the members, parishioners and the community of Saul.

“I know my late colleague councillor Peter Craig worked keenly on this project and would have been delighted to support this scheme in Down Council’s debating chamber next week as the community centre moves forward to fruition.”

The MP also congratulated Saul GAC committee and members for the hard work and dedication they have shown to this project.

Miss Ritchie added: “This new facility and the services it will bring marks a further pivotal moment in the club’s history as Saul GAC continues to deliver social provision for the large rural community and Gaelic football fan base.”