Work has begun on the development of new facilities worth over £1million at Dungannon Thomas Clarkes GAA club in Co Tyrone.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey attended the sod cutting for the new health and community hub at the Dungannon club on Thursday.
Almost £1million in Neighbourhood Renewal Funding has been provided by the Department for Communities for the development, while the club itself has raised more than £300,000 to fund the project.
Chairman of Thomas Clarkes, John McNulty said the new facilities would be 'transformational' for the local community.
“The construction of this new community hub at Dungannon Clarkes will be transformational for the local community," John said.
"The new, state-of-the-art modern and inclusive building will cater for so many groups including footballers, hurlers, musicians, dancers, community groups and schools.
"Currently the building is unfit for purpose hence the local community is restricted in its ability to meet, nurture and develop.
“We are so much looking forward to harnessing the potential we have ahead and are so grateful to the Department for Communities and Mid Ulster District Council in their support for the project without whom the hub would not be feasible.
"I would also like thank all within the local Dungannon community and wider afield who have helped make this happen through their continuous support and drive for an improved and better quality of life for us all.”
Attending the sod cutting at the Dungannon club on Thursday, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “I am delighted that my Department is in a position to provide Neighbourhood Renewal Funding of £973,000 for this important and much needed Health and Community Hub at Thomas Clarkes GFC Dungannon.
“Today marks another step towards providing a state-of-the-art facility for the local community in Dungannon.
The delivery of the project demonstrates the importance of working together with our partners including the club, who are investing £304,000, the Coalisland and Dungannon Neighbourhood Partnership and Mid Ulster District Council.
“ My Department’s strategic objectives include helping develop local communities, building capacity and confidence while also improving the quality of life in the local area. This new facility will enhance the infrastructure, providing a safe, modern space for community based activities that will contribute to improved health and wellbeing across the Dungannon area.”
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