Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has visited St Mary’s Youth Club in Derry who have been allocated £7,000 funding through DOE’s Challenge Fund.
The Minister recently allocated the funding to Creggan Club to improve access to a local woodland and wanted to see at first hand how it will be spent.
The project 'Introducing communities to outdoor learning' covers 5.6 hectares of woodland which is currently a hub for antisocial behaviour and is over grown.
The project will deliver an orienteering course and improve community access to the site, thereby enabling the local community in their enjoyment and utilisation of the area.
Speaking during his visit, Mr Durkan said: “It is tremendous to see people in Derry coming together to produce innovative schemes to enhance their local environment. I commend them for it.
“Recently I announced that 33 community groups across the North were successful in obtaining Challenge Funding for their projects.
“When I launched the fund, a key requirement for me was that not only would the local environment improve but that there had to be a tangible benefit for the local community. The Derry groups are delivering that in spades.
“I am delighted that St Mary’s Youth Club’s project will help young people, and the wider community, enjoy the rich natural environment which is on their doorstep.
“The group here are working hard to maximise the potential of this wonderful area which has, in the past, been associated with anti-social activity. By developing the site we can increase its appeal to and usage by young people and adults alike as a place for education, exercise and enjoyment.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “I have pledged that all money raised from our carrier bag levy would be ploughed back into the environment. The Challenge Fund is one way of doing that.”
Photo shows Mr Durkan with Stevie Mallett, manager of St. Mary's Youth Club, and Peter Nixon, leader in charge, Matchbox.
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