Work begins on Donemana Village Renewal Project

Work has commenced on a new outdoor space in Donemana for use by the Drummond Centre Project.

It will provide an outdoor garden with seating, raised beds, and planting as well as a small kickabout area with artificial grass and a goal wall including a basketball hoop. It also includes new steps to improve access to the outside area.

The work is the fourth and final of a series of Small Parks Village Renewal Projects carried out by Derry City and Strabane District Council, with other projects completed in Artigarvan, Ardstraw and Drumahoe.

The combined cost of the four projects is £200,000 and they are being delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from funding allocated by Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, said the outdoor space will be of great benefit to the local community.

"After the Drummond Centre Project's original premises were flooded in 2017, the group moved to a new location. This work will allow them to utilise outdoor space, with a beautiful new garden and a recreational area that no doubt the kids will have hours of fun on," explained Mayor Tierney.

"These projects have all tied in with Council's Green Infrastructure Plan, whereby we want to take natural spaces and use them in the best way to provide environmental, economic and social benefits for all.

"We have certainly seen in the past year the great benefits, both mentally and physically, of outdoor spaces like this, with so many of our Council outdoor facilities proving hugely popular.

"The commencement of this work will be very welcome by the Donemana community, especially as we head towards the Spring, and will be a great boost for the Drummond Centre Project following the hardships they endured and overcame in 2017."

Graham Warke, Chair of Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership (LAG) said "The LAG are delighted to see this project get off the ground in such difficult times.  Having a garden, seating, raised beds and a kick-about area will make a real difference to the community of Donemana, enabling children and adults to engage in outdoor activities which is so important to their health and well-being.".

Margaret McLaughlin, Chairperson and Managing Director of The Drummond Centre Project, added: "We are all absolutely delighted that work has now begun and there is great excitement about the plans. This outdoor space will be a well-loved addition for children and adults alike, and we're all very much looking forward to seeing the completed work."