Kircubbin will benefit from £283K investment - Poots

The Minister was speaking as he visited two projects in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area that benefited from funding of £283,000 from the LEADER NI Rural Development Programme, managed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The Minister began his visit in Kircubbin Green to view a completed project consisting of perimeter tree planting, installation of seating, the addition of planters and other landscaping works. These works have created a civic space in the village following the award of an £83,000 grant from the Village Renewal Scheme.

Minister Poots then travelled to Ballycran GAC which received a contribution of £200,000 from the Basic Services Scheme towards a £345,000 project which has created a new build community space that includes a multi-purpose indoor hall (for after schools, events, parties, health initiatives); a gymnasium, a dance studio and changing rooms.

Welcoming the overall investment in the Kircubbin schemes, Minster Poots said: “The schemes I visited today represent an investment of £283,000 from DAERA which, coupled with other funds that have been levered in, brings the total to over £450,000. These schemes have helped sustain groups and provide enhanced community facilities and services for the residents, both young and old, of Ards and North Down.

Minister Poots concluded: “I am delighted that despite the many recent challenges brought about by the Covid-19 crisis these projects, like many other projects throughout the borough, have been completed. I want to thank all those involved for their hard work and dedication in bringing these to fruition.”