Write a commentNewry, Mourne and Down District Council is in the process of compiling a draft strategy for the future of sports facilities within the Council area and are requesting that members of the public get involved by attending consultation sessions throughout the area.
The work is being undertaken by a consortium led by Strategic Leisure Ltd. on behalf of Sport NI and the eleven District Councils. The purpose of this work is to provide a strategic approach to any current and future facility development needs, to provide a framework for the prioritisation and development of facilities and to prioritise investment by a range of investors in sports facility provision.
The Sports Facilities Strategy for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Area is scheduled for completion by December 2016 and will provide a framework for the future prioritisation, development and provision of sports facilities at local level, to meet identified community needs.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council originally went to public consultation during August/September 2015 and had the largest turnout of community sports clubs throughout Northern Ireland. As a result, the Council is keen to engage again with all key stakeholders who have views on the future of sports facilities in the district has arranged consultation sessions to get public opinions on the final draft strategy.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “I am delighted that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is taking a strategic approach to the provision of Sports Facilities. The importance of Sport and Leisure activities help us achieve an active and healthy lifestyle and promote social inclusion, health and well-being. This is why the Council is keen to hear your views to assist in the final review of the Sports Facility Strategy.”
Sporting organisations that are interested in the future of sport in the district are encouraged to attend these important events and the Council has also asked sports clubs to ensure that they have current contact details so they can be kept informed of important developments in relation to the on-going facilities strategy work and other future new Council programmes and initiatives.
For further information or to provide contact details for your club, please contact shona.mcIlhone@nmandd.org or call 0300 013 2233 ext 5002.
Consultation sessions will take place at three venues throughout the district, with a focus on the District Electoral Areas (DEA’s) linked with each venue. Anyone is welcome to attend any of the sessions, the details of which are as follows:
Date: Tuesday 1 November 2016
DEA: Newry and Slieve Gullion
Venue: Newry Sports Centre, 61 Patrick Street, Newry, BT35 8TR
Time: 6.30pm for 7pm start
Date: Wednesday 2 November 2016
DEA: The Mournes and Crotlieve
Venue: Kilkeel Bowling Pavilion, Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel, BT34 4DB
Time: 6.30pm for 7pm start
Date: Thursday 3 November 2016
DEA: Downpatrick, Rowallane and Slieve Croob
Venue: The Great Hall, Downshire Estate, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick, BT30 6RA
Time: 6.30pm for 7pm start
This consultation will close at 12 Noon on 14 November 2016
