O’Dowd opens Carrickmore Youth Centre following £500,000 investment
Date published:
Education Minister, John O’Dowd, officially opened the refurbished Carrickmore Youth Centre following £500,000 investment from the Youth Capital budget.
The funding has been used to upgrade the sports hall and create a viewing gallery, as well as improving the front facade of the building and providing a pedestrian bridge which will improve disabled access.
Speaking at an event to mark the completion of work at the youth club, Minister O’Dowd said:
“My Department allocated £4million to the Education Authority in 2015/16 for controlled Youth Capital Projects and it is wonderful to see the outworkings of that funding and how it is benefiting local communities. I am therefore delighted to be here today to open the newly refurbished youth centre.
The education of young people can be greatly enhanced through non-formal learning opportunities provided by youth work. Organisations such as Carrickmore provide a setting where young people can meet, make friends and take part in structured activities in a safe environment.
In addition to providing a modern and welcoming environment for young people, youth centres provide a facility for other community based programmes within the local area. I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide funding to such a worthwhile project which will benefit the young people and community for years to come.”
Education Authority, Head of Youth Service, Gerard Doran said:
“The newly refurbished youth centre was completed earlier this year, providing an exclusive space for young people to meet socially and participate in fun activities designed to meet their personal and social development needs, in a supportive, safe and positive environment. In addition to the superb refurbishment, the learning environment has been advanced to such a high standard that exceptional opportunities are now available to support young people to realise their full potential.”
He added:
“I am in no doubt that Carrickmore Youth Centre will continue to attract young people from the local community thus ensuring the Centre thrives for many years to come.”
In conclusion, the Minister congratulated everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition and wished them well for the future.
Notes to editors:
1. In 2013 the Minister published the ‘Priorities for Youth’ policy framework which supports and encourages youth services to provide young people with positive engagement in education and lifelong opportunities.
2. The first phase focused on upgrading the sports hall and creating a viewing gallery on the ground and first floor. A social area on the ground floor and a group work room on the first floor were also refurbished. Finally, a lift was installed to comply with DDA requirements
3. The second phase took place during 2013/14. The main reception area, office and toilets were refurbished and a disused shower room was removed and remodelled into a serviceable committee room, providing a space where young people can come together and take part in various personal development programmes.
4. In 2014/15 the final phase commenced which focused on the front section of the building and included the building of a pedestrian bridge, which improved disabled access and enhanced the general facade of the Youth Centre.
5. Carrickmore Youth Centre currently has 248 registered members utilizing the Centre over five evenings per week.
6. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel
7. See photos from the Department of Education in our collection on flickr
8. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.